all the Romans both men and women might lawfully commit any lascivious dishonesty which then was accounted the most holy that which that day was most dishonest St. Felix Bishop hath given great honour to this City whose body lieth in it and as they say there riseth continually Manna out of his holy bones whose life was written by St. Paulino Bishop of this City St. Paulino was the inventor of the use of Bels an Instrument utterly unknown to the Ancients which is now so necessary in the Church of God He gave it the name of Campane because he invented it in Campania where is the aforesaid City of Nola of the which he was Bishop and that the Citizens ever since glorying therein as rightly they may have alwaies used to give a Bell for the Arms of the City And to say something of the famous Counts of Nola Monsignieur Guido da Monforte was the first thereof a most noble and valiant Gentleman of France which came with Charls the first of Angio to the Conquest of the Kingdom with whom he was in great estimation and having one only daughter called Anastasia married to Romano Orsino chief Justice of the Kingdom who by the death of his Father in Law succeeded in the County which was the first of the Family of Orsina which had Seigniory in the Kingdom The posterity of this man have proved all worthy men and very valiant but the matchless Paragon of all was Ramondo which florished in the time of Charls the second for being chased away and forsaken by his Father went into Soria after he had in a journey into the Holy Land done many valiant exploits against the Moors and overcome in a private combate a most fierce and mighty Saracin who carried a Rose upon the top of his wreathed Turbant returned home into the Kingdom with great honour and for a token of that Victory joyned it with much glory to his Arms whereupon through his great magnanimity and valour was made Prince of Taranto That Principality hath been continued even to this present one of the most important Members of the Kingdom for it contained very much land and Cities of greatest importance which for brevity I omit to name so that Ramondo being a very mighty and great Lord the House of Orsina was very famous through all Italy Râ—mondo married the Lady Mary of Eugenio of an honourable proginy in France who after the death of her husband having the tuition of her children became Queen of Naples at such time as King Ladislao besieged her in Taranto who being not able to subdue her resolved to take her for his wife and so by that means to possess the Inheritance of the children of Ramondo of whom the first was Iohn Antonio who redeemed the Principality of Taranto with money from Iames husband of Queen Ione This Iohn Antonio increased much his Patrimony with Lands of great importance and was highly favoured by Alfonsus of Arragon King of Naples who made him great Constable which is the chiefest of the seven Offices in the Kingdom with a hundred thousand Duckets yearly for a Pension And to return to the Counts of Nola they were great Lâ—rds for they possest Sarno Tripalda Palma Avella Lauro Forino Ascoli and other Lands But afterward Felice Orsino Prince of Salerno succeeded in the County who having little experience in worldly affairs through the dâ—â—â—ension and division of the Kingdom lost his State in 〈◊〉 time after the death of his Father And King Ferrant the first gave Salerno to Robert 〈◊〉 and Nola Tripalda Ascoli Lauro and Forino to Orso Orsino 〈…〉 great Chancellor of the Kingdom and partner with him in the Wars against Iohn Antonio Orsino whereupon the line of Romano Orsino which had ruled Nola almost two hundred years was extinguished and the Principality of Salerno rose of the House of Orsino 24 years after he had it But this line afterward of the Count Orso continued but a small time for the Lady Santola a Citizen of Nola by whom he had two sons the one Duke of Ascoli and the other a Knight lost all their Inheritance through the wicked means of their mother who lewdly justified of her own accord that they were not begotten by the Count Orso were deprived of all their right by King Ferdinando who gave the County of Nola with Cimitino Avella Monforte Lauro Palma and Ottoiano to the Count Nicola Orsino of Pitigliano whose successors possest it untill the year 1528. the which Don Arrigo in serving the French lost his life and his state also and so ended the line of the Counts of Nola which were so famous in this Kingdom Now returning to our former order I say that from the City of Nola are also sprung many other famous men as well adorned with Learning as with Military Discipliâ—e which would be too teadious to repeat and therefore I reâ—er the reader to Ambrogio Lione who very exactly nameth and describeth them all But for us it shall be only sufficient to name the Noble Families which the said Leone writeth of which are in the said City and are these following Albertino Alfano Barone Caposâ—rosa Candido Cesarini Coriale Carmignano Campobascio de Ferrariis de Elia Freccia Fellecchia Fontana Rosa Del Iodice Ioseph Infante de Gennaro Maffei Marifeulo Morra Mastrilâ—o Mazzeo Notariis De Palma Perarii Perrigioanni Rehi Risi Santori Sassolani c. and at this present the Bishop of this City Fabritio Gallo Neopolitan a Prelate besides his learning a man of sincere and pure life who with much diligence composed a Sinodal Book of his Diocess There are many other places the which I think not fit to recite all but the greatest and most important I have not omitted any but the small and little as those which are thought to be of little or no account I have neglected assuring you that to the integrity and soundness of the Work it shall not fail in any momentary matter The Arms of this Noble Country is in a Field Asurâ—â— Cornucope in salter thorow the middle of a Crown the first of â—eres the other Bacchus or the which Arms signifie the great fertility and abundance of the Country which as it were Queen of every other Province exceeds them in all the benefits of Nature Whereupon in confirmation of what I have said I will concluded with L. Floro who speaking thereof thus writeth Omnium non modo Italia sed toto orbe terrarum pulcherrima Campaniae plaga est Nihil mollius coelo nihil uberrius solo nihil hospitalius mari Denique bis floribus vernat ideo Liberi Cererisque certamen dicitur Hic illi nobiles portus Caieta Misenus tepentes fontibus Baiae Lucrinus Avernus quâ—dam maris otia Hic amicti vitibus montes â—aurus Falernus Massicus Pulcherimâ—s omnium Vessuvius Aetaeni ignis imitator Vrbes ad mare Formiae Cumae Neapolis Herculanium Pompei ipsa
say Pheasants Partridges Goodwittes Woodcocks Snites Quails and divers others In like sort there are of four-footed Beasts as wild Boars Harts Goats Hares Conies and Foxes of ravenous creatures there are Wolves and of those that are fatted it is very plentifull There are also in places near the Mediterranean shore great Vaults and Caves with the Foundations of sumptuous Buildings which yields no small wonder to every one that beholds them with other strange works wrought as well by the wonder of Nature as also by curious Art and the emulation thereof which procures no small admiration to all that knows not the powerfulness of Art and Nature The Sea of this most happy Province aboundeth with divers sorts of excellent Fishes as Sturgions Mullets Tonnies and sundry other fishes Neither is there less abundance in the kinds of Shel-Fishes as of Oysters Muscles Cockles Periwincles and infinite others Of Minerals it is very rich in Gold Silver Alume Brimstone Besides this it is endued with so many medicinable and wholsome Bathes which in the Spring and other times of the year heals infinite people of many strange and incurable diseases So that that great Grandmother Nature hath bestowed so great abundance of her benefits that it seems she is delighted therein The which the writer Polybius considering which was the Master of Scipio Africanus wrote these words near Sipontino Est enim Campanus ager copia rerum fertilitate regionis ac amaenitate pulchritudine loci excellentissimus nam in littore maris positus est ex eo universo terrarum orbe venientes in Italia innumerae gentes consunt And Hannibal that great Carthaginian Captain beholding the delightfulness of this happy Region and the beauty thereof purposing to assemble his Army which he caused to winter therein returned from thence nice dainty and full of the delicacie of Campania said as it is written in Strabo in the end of the fifth Book Victor ipse periclitor ne host is praeda siam quippe qui milites viros dederim faeminas recipiam The Campanians saith Cicero against Rullus of the Law Agraria Superbi bonitate agrorum magnitudine fructuum salubritate aeris pulchritudine regionis This Province doth likewise deserve great praise for the diversity of Wines which it bringeth forth so much esteemed both in ancient and later times as the most delicate of Sorrento which Tiberius Cesar and Physitians so much commended the Wine Massico now called Massaquano brought from the Mount Massico which is near Carinola in the Territory of the people Equani among which is Massa and Vico the most excellent Falerni so much pleasing to the Roman Emperors of whom Iulius Caesar as Pliny writeth honoured his Feasts and most sumptuous Banquets which he made in Rome and principally that wherewith in two and twenty thousand Chambers he feasted all the Romans There are the tears and Greek Wines so much celebrated by Pliny the most odoriferous Wine Nolano and that of Vico no less wholsome then pleasant in taste with others very excellent and delicate Wines which are preferred before all others in the plentifull Tables of the greatest Lords The Oyles are in no less esteem which are there made and chiefly those of Massa of Sorrento of Vico of Gaeta and of the Isle of Capre And no less fruitfull is this fortunate Country of the best Cattle as Oxen Cowes fat Weathers Hogges and Calves whereof the most excellent are those of Sorrento There is also made the finest silks which Merchants buy more then any others for the goodness thereof It is very plentifull in Heards and Droves of Cattel and serviceable Horses for Warr. And to conclude this Province worthily deserveth all praise for the excellent things that are therein wherefore it is no marvel if ancient Writers call this the most beautifull and excellent Region of the world having a most temperate and delicate air and so fruitfull a Country that in all times of the year there are heard divers and sundry birds to sing Here in the Spring time and even in the Corn where are not sowed do grow Lillies Violets and Roses of excellent and delicate savour so that the earth never ceaseth to bring forth for which cause it is commonly said that Campania yieldeth most Oyntment others say most Oyle being also made in Naples the best and most excellent Conserve that may be found through the great goodness of the Roses This Country bringeth forth people of an indifferent stature and of a fair complexion valorous minded and very wise both in Councel and the managing of worldly affairs ingenious and apt for learning and more then measurably warlike both on foot and horse from whence generally appeareth a certain mind to command Having now declared the sundry benefits and celestial favours of this most noble Region I will now handle in particular where I left at the City of Ansure now Terracina in a part of Latium was founded the City of Fondi standing placed in the way Appia twenty miles distant from Terracina of Strabo Pomponius Mela Silus an Italian and of Ptolomy called Fondi but of Antonius Fonde the Territory whereof bringeth forth excellent Wines which are much commended of Pliny and of Strabo and Martial writeth that by any means the Wines of Fondi must not be suffered to wax old Haec fundana tulit felix autumnus opimi Expressit mulsum Consul ipse bibet Soterus Bishop of Rome was born in this City who governed the Church of God 7 years 11 moneths and 18 daies This City suffered much loss by Ariadeno Barbarossa the Turk Captain General of the Navy of Soliman Emperor of Turks in the year 1534. at which time all the Citizens that were found therein were made slaves Passing along towards Formie on the left side is Villa Castello from whence descended the Roman Emperor Galba on the right side appeareth the Lake Fundano called by Pliny Fundano although it be written Fandano by some corrupt writers This said Lake is full of Fishes and very great Eeles Five miles from thence remaineth the foundations of the City Mamurri of whom Horace saith In Mamurranum lassi deinde urbe manemus Passing hence by the rough and stony way Appia near the most high steep Mountains is the Land of Atrio now called Itro the Country of the Lamury Citizens of Rome five miles almost but somewhat out of the way Appia on the right hand is Gaeta upon the shore so called as Strabo and Virgil affirm of the Nurse of Aeneas which died and was there buried and although the Gulf of Gaeta and the strong Rock thereof be sufficiently known and much renowned especially in ancient time yet was it not a City untill the Saracins destroyed Formie which was in the year of Christ 856. and then was the reliques of the worthy St. Erasmus transferred from Formie to Gaeta and it was by Pope Gregory the 4th
it was so well fortified caused it to be called Ischia which hath given the name to the whole Island especially because all the other ancient names were forgotten This Castle is very strong by the natural situation thereof and is built upon a very high Hill and the passage thereto very steep and the way for the most part is cut out of the Rock with mens labour and the entrance is so difficult and streight that two Souldiers may easily guard it Hither Ferdinando the son of Alfonsus the second of Arragon King of Naples retired himself for his security when Charls the eight King of France had victoriously entred Naples In the year 1301. the said Island sustained great hurt for being therein certain veins of Sulphure whereof the Island is very full the fire kindled and running through it burnt a great part even to the City of Ischia now called Gironda and the fire continued one month and a half burning many men and other living creatures whereby the Inhabitants were inforced to abandon the place flying out of the Isle some to Procida some to Capri some to Pozzuolo and some to Naples And of this fire the marks yet appear where neither grass nor any other thing doth grow and that for the space of more then two miles which place the Citizens call the Cremata This Isle is in compass 18 miles where is a fair City to the which are subject eight Hamlets or small Villages This said Isle is very fertile and bringeth forth all soâ—ts of Corn and there is made excellent Wine and hath Mines of Gold which were together found with the Sulphure in the year 1465. by Bartholmew Perdice Genoway It is every where full of Villages very thick and close adjoyning there is one very high Hill which is very difficult for a man to climbe in the top whereof riseth a Spring called the Fountain Aboceto all the rest of the Isle hath great scarcity of water The Shores of this Isle are rather crooked then streight the air there is very healthfull and pleasant and in it are many and sundry Baths with those so marvelous sands all things fit to heal divers sorts of infirmities and many incureable of the which we have sufficiently written in the Book of the Antiquities of Pozzuâ—la by me not long since published to which I refeâ— the Reader This Isle was first inhabited by the Licii which after the death of Oroute their King were driven out by Eneas Afterward came thither the people Arimni and within a while the Calcidii There lieth with great reverence in two honourable Churches of this Isle the bodies of St. Restituta Virgin and Martyr and of St. Olivata her sister which as is said do infinite miracles Of this Isle was Fabius Seleucus Oronre that excellent Cosmographer and singular Poet. Sailing from hence more forward towards Naples near the Mount Pausilippo is the Isle of Nisita of the Latines called Nosium and Nesis which had a fair and goodly Fortress made by the Dutchmen of Amalsi with a most secure Haven called Agliono very commodious Nisita was so called as the Poets feign by a Nimph of the Sea the daughter of Nereus and Doride Gods of the Sea for the truth is that Nesis in Greek is an Island it was in ancient time the Town of Brutus that worthy Roman and in our daies there was found in a Sepulchre a dead body of wonderful greatness imbalmed which had about the neck a Chain with a Jewel of Gold with this Inscription M. A. Acilius C. F. I.I.I. R. Leaving this Isle is another much less which is rather a Rock I may say it was and is commonly called Gaiola but in my opinion it should be called Gaia if yet that particle ola were not adjoyned thereto for a diminutive signifying the smallness and beauty thereof at an instant for being very delightfull and pleasant and made in the fashion of a Theater where also appeareth the marks of an inclosed Park for the keeping of wild Beasts and the Temple of Neptune which was there in old time so that to every one that comes thither it seems a place of great delight These then are the Cities upon the Sea of happy Campania and the Isles that are thereabout But in the Land of Naples the principal City is Capoa situated on the side of Vulturno upon the way Appia twelve miles distant from the Sea it was in former time as great as any in Italy except Rome the first and chiefest the Senat of Rome once purposed to go to inhabit there The opinions of the building of this City are divers and first Cato and Sempronius saith that it was builded by the Osci others as Virgil Lucan Silius Dionisius of Alicarnassus and Suetonius say that it was builded by Capi the companion of Aeneas and that by him it was afterward so named Others say that Remus the son of Aeneas builded it and called it Capoa from Capi the Father of his Grandsire Strabo is of another opinion saying it had this name from the large Fields wherein it standeth whose first Inhabitors were the Opici and Ausoni and the Osci which were driven out by the Cumani and afterward these by the Toscans by whom Capoa was made the Head of twelve Cities builded by them in these places and of this opinion seemeth to be Eustaccius Livy Pliny and Annius Diodorus and others say that it was so called for the great capacity and largeness which it hath to produce and bring forth necessary things for the sustenance of living creatures and in truth the Territory thereof is most excellent above all other Countries of the world This City as Livy declareth particularly in many places was of great Wealth and Authority and in the time of the great prosperity and delights thereof was the seat and habitation and as it were a second natural Country to Hannibal and in the time of the siege of Casilino wintred there with his Army which became corrupt effeminate and lazie through the many delights and pleasures thereof But coming afterward into the power of the Romans it was as it appeareth to some that Capoa was by them utterly ruinated for being strong a near neighbour and alwaies their enemy But the utility and most fertile Territory was the safety thereof that it was not ruinated because the multitude of Colonies might have a place and a dwelling in this Country and Territory and the houses themselves were builded of the common Treasury of Rome Yet nevertheless there was not left any signe or any body of a City or Councel or any Authority the which Marcus Tullius declareth more largely in one of his Orations calling the Capoans proud and arrogant through the bounty of the earth and the abundance of all things which they had But there was since contrary to the opinion of Tully by Iulius Caesar in his first Consulship carried to Capoa one Colony of Romans and those
new Inhabitants undoing and pulling down certain ancient Sepulchres to build little houses in their Villages purposing to imploy those stones and using therein much labour and diligence passing up and down discovered certain Vessels of antick work found in a little Table of Brass wherein was written Capi the builder of Capoa to be here buried with Letters in Greek words to this effect That whensoever the bones of Capi shall be discovered at the same instant one of the kindred of Iulo must be slain with a sword by the hands of his own friends and kindred and after be revenged with grievous afflictions and the ruine of Italy This same Capoa was by Gensericus King of the Vandals razed and destroyed with sword and fire six hundred years after it had been subject to the Romans but since the Goths Ostrogoths being chased away by Narsete Eunuco Captain to the Emperor Iustinian was newly inhabited again And about a hundred years after was destroyed and ruinated anew by the Lombards but with the reliques builded of the Inhabiters again two miles distant from the ancient place Since by Conradus King of Naples son of the Emperor Frederick the second the Walls thereof were thrown to the ground because the Capoans were known to be contrary to the Manfredi with the Neopolitans wherefore he ransackt and sackt it and did therein harm enough It sustained great calamity in the time of Pope Alexander the sixth being sacked and robbed by the French sent by Lewis the twefth King of France to the Conquest of the Kingdom of Naples against King Frederick of Arragon now it remaineth well fortified by the providence of Philip of Austria the most puissant Catholick King under whose protection it resteth most secure Pliny in the description of Italy speaking of Capoa saith that there is the Field Leborino much more pleasant and delightfull then any part of all Italy and he in another place calleth Leborino the excellent Territory of Capoa and to declare what it is the Territory thereof is all plain which stretcheth from Tifata which is the Hill above Capoa even to Naples and Pozzuolo and from Capoa to the mouth of Vulturno where it entreth into the Sea Capoa being so hated and defaced by the Romans and twice ruinated the people near adjoyning disdained to be any longer called Campani desiring to avoid this infamy and this danger to be hated and undone for this name changed the name being called by their ancient name Leborini and so much their constant perseverance prevailed that that which before was wont to be called Campania was called the Land of Lebore But since the word being corrupted by people was called the Land of Labore from whence grew the opinion that this should be because as it were all pains for so the word Labore signifies should there be well bestowed and some others have said that it should be so called from the great and difficult pains that is required in the subduing of it F. L. Sosipatro Charisio a most ancient Gramarian was a Citizen of Capoa whose works have been found by Iano Parasio Victore called the Capoan Bishop and a famous Astrologian and an excellent Orator hath given great honour to this City who lived in the year of Christ 480. Likewise Pietro of Vineis was also a Citizen a learned Lawyer which was in great favour with the Emperor Frederick the second King of Naples but the Emperor had afterward a certain suspicion of him for a conspiracy that was deâ—ised banished him where through grief he died having first composed a Book of Consolation Of this Pietro Dante maketh mention in the first part of the 13 Cant. saying I am he which holdeth both the Keys Iohn Antonio Campano hath also given no small reputation to this noble City of whom Raffaello Voluterano writeth that he know him being a child attended the keeping of sheep and being apt and urged by nature endeavoured by all means to attain learning wherein he so much profited that he was esteemed worthy to read in the Schools of Paris being entertained by the Paragians with a large stipend and so much he increased in faâ—â— and learning that Pius the second afterward made him Bishop of Apruntino This learned man left behind him many Works of the which was the book of the Acts and famous deeds of Braccio of Montone He writ the life of the worthy Prince Frederick Duke of Vrbin and the life of Pope Pius the second Moreover in these our daies Camille Pellegrino and Beneditto of Vva excellent Poets whose Works are well known have and alwaies give everlasting honour to this noble City And with these hath also been very famous Iohn Battista an eloquent Orator Afterward from Capoa eight miles distant is Aversa a noble and a rich City builded upon the ruines of the ancient Attella often remembred by Livy and Marcus Tullius Atella was the well-spring of lascivious Verses and wanton and effeminate behaviours whereupon the compositions and lascivious Comodies and dishonest were called Atelliane Boyes and girls were taught certain lascivious Verses and to that purpose did come with a certain composed measure and wanton carriage of the body and roling the eyes to pronounce them with so great immodesty and lascivious behaviours at the Tables of dishonest persons and on the Stages that there wanted nothing but the dishonest and carnal conjunction together But of better discipline was the beginning of Aversa the which by Averso the Norman a famous Captain was first built and afterwards was beautified by Robert Guiscardo a worthy and a valiant man This City was ruinated and defaced even to the foundation by Charls the first of Angio King of Naples for the Rebellion of the House Rebursa But it was afterward newly re-edified and beautified by Charls the second King his son This City is great and much inhabited and is one of the principal in the Land of Lavoro as well for the vicinity and neighbourhood of the City of Naples from the which it is not distant more then seven miles as also for the fertilty of the pleasant and beautifull fields thereof the which being inclosed in six miles spread between Naples and Capoa And a little more towards Linterne compassing a great part of the Leborine fields sometime very famous and now called Gaudo Moreover this City is very honorable for the Bishoprick which yieldeth eight thousand Crowns yearly and is now under the Authority of the worthy and reverend Lord Don Pietro Orsino a Prelate as it is commonly said of great clemency and wisdom whereby he is loved and honoured of all This City had many famous men very expert in the Law as Cavello Barnado President of the Kings Chamber Felice Barnada Tomaso Grammatico a famous Councellor for the deciding of controversies Scipio Cutinarâ—o Regent of the Councel of Italy in Spain Marc. of Mauro President of the Summaria In Philosophy
Beccarini Gentile del Avantaggio Caverletta Minadois Nicastro Visco Tontoli and others But first before I proceed any farther to declare what the Monte Gargano is here towards the sea I will finish that which lieth upon the River Fortore Above Sanseverino four miles is Torre the great which is a Country that hath the title of a Dukedom subject to the house of Sangro which lieth from Fortore twelve miles and as much above Torre the great is Castelluccio and a little from thence is Monte Rotano and somewhat higher is Celenza which hath a very fruitfull Territory and is adorned with the title of a Marquisat the Lord whereof is Carlo Gambacorta a Neapolitan Gentleman a very famous and worthy Lord whose honourable actions are well known having many years with so much wisdom and valour governed through the grace and favour of King Philip the two Povinces of Principato and Basilicata and at this present with great honour ruleth and governeth this present Province Not far from Cilenza is a country called St. Marco and near that is Volturara which hath a good Territory and the Lord thereof holdeth the title of a Marquiss and not far off is the country of St. Gaudio and a little above is Rosseno and beyond that near the river of Fortore is the Castle Montefalcone The River Fortore runneth into the Sea near the Lake of Lesina which contains 40 miles in compass and a mile from this Lake and four from the Sea is the city of Lesina from whence the Lake hath taken its name the which city was built by the men of the Isle of Lesina of Slavonia some say that the Saracins spoiled the said city Leandro Alberti believeth that the aforesaid Lake is named by Pliny in the 10. chapter of his third book Lacus Pantanus which breeds good fishes and great Eels and at all times there is good fowling for wild Geese Mallards and Swans Within the land four miles above Lesina and within a mile of Fortore upon a high hill is Cerra Capriola in a populous and a civil country the which is well known through all the Kingdom for the toll or custom of cattel which pass through it from divers countries to winter in Puglia and for the custom of sheep where they pay in that place so much for every beast by the head Somewhat higher are these countries and castles St. Martino Colletorto S. Guilian Macchia which is adorned with the dignity of a Count subject to the house of Regina and not farr off is Petra di Cratello Campo di Pietra Geldono and in the top is Circomaggiore near the which springeth the river Fortore then on the left hand of Fortore is St. Nicandro five miles from the Sea and near the Lake of Cesina on that side which is nearest the Mount Gargano then farther within the land is Porcina a populous and a civil country where is also a very stately magnificent Palace made by the Emperor Frederick the second for a retiring house of pleasure after his sports of hunting in those parts Going six miles forward we come to St. Seniero a country very rich noble civil and populous whose Territory is so fertile that it is not inferior to any in this Province the said country hath lately been innobled by the Kings favour with the dignity of a Prince which the Family of Sangro possesseth Strabo writeth in his sixth book that in the Territory of Daunio although that imperfect and corrupt book nameth it Saunio at a hill named Drio in the manner of a Wood was in his time two Temples the one in the very top assigned to Calcante that whosoever came to demand any thing of the Oracle sacrificed a black ram lying down themselves upon the skin The other Temple was dedicated to Podalirio below at the very foot of the Hill distant from the Sea a hundred furlongs From the which Temple did spring a little brook very wholsom and comfortable to cure the infirmities of cattel therefore it may the better be believed that such Temples have been in these places hereabout for Strabo saith In agro Daunio circa tumulum quem Drion nominant basilicae monstrantur una quidem Calchantis in summo â—ertiâ—è cui petentes oracula ingrantâ—m imâ—lant arietem strata in pelle dormiunt Altera Podalirii in insima montis radice posita abest à mari stadiorum circiter C. Ex ea rivulus manat ad omnis pâ—corum morbos salutaris Now it is time to return to the Mount Gargano or rather St. Angelo to the end I may the better describe certain places which are there In the midst then of the said hill where is the fair and spacious plain of â—lorishing and pleasant pasture is to be seen the country of St. Iohn Ritondo where every year on the 11 of Iune are assembled the Bailiffs and Officers thereabout a chief and principal magistrate coming thither in the name of the King the which after they have well considered the store of grain barley and other corn with a general consent they proclaim a price of all victuals Not far from the said place are Cagnano and Carpino which have a fruitfull Territory the Baron thereof is Antonio Nava so honourable and worthy a Lord and so vertuously given as he is generally honoured and loved of every one and hath been the special occasion that this work is published the second time At the foot of the said hill near Manfredonia is St. Vito a very great country but wholly abandoned for the great abundance of Serpens that are therein Not far off is the Castle Arignano and St. Nocandro Departing then from the foot of the Mount Gargano and leaving the places near adjacent we come to Foggia in a populous country which hath a very fertile and fruitfull Territory yielding great plenty of grain barley and other sustenance Some say that it was built of the ruines of the ancient city of Argirippa the which as Straboâ—aith â—aith was in old time one of the greatest cities in Italy and was first called Argostippium afterward Argyripa and at the last Arpe and saith that it was builded by Diomedes At this present liveth with great honour to the said city Giovanbattista Vitale a very plausible and pleasant Poet of our age But it is not fit I should smother in silence the custom of the sheep of Puglia which is one of the greatest revenues that the King hath in the Kingdom and consisteth in the rents of the herbage which cometh every year into the Kings Exchequer by the Officers for the pasture of sheep and greater cattel of the which rents in truth some pay 13 duckets for a hundred sheep and some 12. and some 10 and a half and some 9. and some 6. and some 3. and some 15 carlins for a hundred and others 12 crowns for a thousand But of greater cattel some pay 37
also that of Sicily with the utter Revolt of Portugal and commotions in Catalonia as also the loss of so many Towns about Flanders which were given in ransom for Francis the French King as likewise the rending away of the county of Rossillon hath given so shrewd a â—heck to the Spanish Monarchy that she is still a branling ever since having made her so thin of men at home and mony abroad and plung'd her in such a bottomless Gulph of debt that the whole Revenue of Naples which is above three millions per ann is scarce able to pay the Genoways and other banks their yeerly interest And the Spanish Monarchy is like to continue still in this shaking aguish posture while this fiery Cardinal sits at the French Helm moving upon the principles of his Predecessor who may be sayd to be two fatall â—ngins raisd up to unhiâ—ge the World I. H. Sen sâ—o non Segnesco The chief Ingredients that go to the Composition of this Historicall Survey I· THe Scituation of the Citty of Naples II. The names of the severall Provinces and the quality of the Country III. The Customes of the Peeple and the famous men Naples hath producd IV. An account of the Revenues Imposts Donatives and other Perquisits of the Crown V. A History of the Kings of Naples with their Titles and Stile VI. The names of the Barons with their Armes as also of the spirituall power VII A discourse of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and how it is appropriated to the Kingdom of Naples c. VIII An exact relation of the procedures of the Spanish Match with England c. IX The Revolt of Catalonia X. The Revolt of Portugal XI The severall pretentions of Right and Title to the Crown of Portugal XII The Tumults of Sicily XIII The three late horrid Revolutions of Naples XIV Of the Duke of Ossuna Vice-roy of Naples of his Extravagancies and the strange Articles exhibited against Him XV. The Catastrophe of Olivares the great Spanish Favorit and the causes of his downfall XVI A true Relation of the suspectfull death of Don Carlos Prince of Spain never yet so much discovered to the World Upon the CITTY OF NAPLES FIRST CALL'D PARTHENOPE OR THE VIRGIN-CITTY Salve Parthenope Decora salve PArthenope a Citty bright as Gold Or if the Earth could bear a richer Mold Is com to greet Great Britain Queen of Iles And to exchange som Silks for VVooll she smiles To find that Cloath shold wear and feel so fine As do her Grograns she doth half repine That Lemsters Ore and spires of fallow'd Grass The leafs of Mulberries shold so surpass Which so abound in Her with every thing Which Pleasure VVealth or VVonderment can bring That Nature seems to strive whom she shold please Herself or Vs with rare Varieties There her own Bawd to be she may be sayed As if the VVanton with Herself she played Let England then strow Rushes all the way To welcom in the fair Parthenopey For I dare say She never yet came o're In such a Garb to visit any Shore I. H. A Table of the most notable things that are contained in the first part of the HISTORY of NAPLES ACerra a City and why so called 16 Acidola a spring of an admirable nature 8 Adria a City in Apruzzo now called Atri 74 Alphonso the first of Aragon 17 King of Naples 160 Alphonso the second 19 King of Naples 162 Amalfia a City 23. by whom it was built 26 Annibal the Carthaginian falls in love in Apulia or Puglâ—a 89 Apruzzo citra the ninth Province of the Kingdom 69 Apruzzo ultra the tenth Province of the Kingdom 73 Aquila Metropolitan City in Apruzzo 76. how many Churches are in it ib. Nature and custom of the Aquilans ib. how many armed men it can set forth upon occasion ib. Adriatick Sea why so called and where it ends 89 Arms of Terra di Lavoro 21 Arechi Dukes of Benevento 22 Arms which the Province of Principato citra carries in its colours 36 Arms of Principality ultra 43 Arms of Basilicata 47 Arms of Calabria citra 52 Arms of Calabria ultra 60 Arms of the Land of Otranto 65 Arms of the Land of Bari 68 Arms of Apruzzo citra 72 Arms of Apruzzo ultra 81 Arms of the County of Molise 84 Arms of Capitanata 93 Ascoli in Apruzzo restored to the Church by Queen Giovanna 80 Asturno a Hill where the Royal hunting is in the Land of Lavoro 9 Aversa a City by whom built and famous men of it 15 B BAsilicata fourth Province of the Kingdom 44 Barletta a famous Town 67 Benevento a City by whom it was built 38 how it came into the Churches hands 40 Basignano and other Towns and Cities in the Province of Calabria 51 Bitonto a City in the Land of Bari 68 Boiavo a City in Capitanata 83 Borrello and other Towns in Calabria ult 54 Brutii whence called 53. Brindisi and by whom it was built 63. Body of St. Nicholas in Bari 67. Bodies of Saints found in the Province of Bari ib. Body of S. Thomas Aquinas 71. Bounds of the Land of Apruzzo 70. C CAlabria citra the 5 Province of the Kingdom 47. Calabria ultra the 6 Province in the Kingdom 52. Capitanata the 12 Province 85. why so called ib. Charls the 1 of Anjou 9 King of Naples 152. Charls the 2. 10 King of Naples 153. Charls the 3 of Durazzo 13 King of Naples 155. Charls the 4. 20 King of Naples 162. Charls the 5 Emperor 26 King of Naples 168. Catanzaro chief city of Calabria 59. Campania the happy why so called 4. Castle of Vovo 10. Casasana a most delicious place built by Charls the second 11. Capua a city 13. sackt and rebuilt 14. Casetta a city by whom it was built 17. Capre of Partivento 56. Castle at Mare Volturno 8. Campo Basso a chief town in the county of Molise 83. Cava a City and its beginning 24. Caliph King of Egipt friend to the Amalphitans 26. Charles the great disguised to see the Princess Arrechi 39. Capa of Palinuro and Molpa 45. Calabria citra a Province why so called 49. Calabria ultra a Province 52. its fertility ib. Cardinal Pascasius his soul 10. Cape of the Pillars 60. Crickets and their properties 56 City of Chieâ—i Metropolitan of Apruzzo 70 Counts and Dukes of Puglia and Calauria 136. Coronation of the Kings of Naples 174. Coast of Amalfi 25. Cosenza chief city of Calabria 50. Cotrone a city in Calabria 60. County of Molise 11 Province 82. its bounds and things whereof there is plenty ibid. Conradus the fourth Emperor and seventh King of Naples 150. Cuma a city 9. Custom of the sheep of Puglia and the Revenues of it 91. Country-house of Scipio and Lelius 7 Cicero his country-house where the Emperor Adrian was buried 9 Charls 2 King of Naples drives out the Saracins 92 D. DIscourse of the Kings of Ierusalem 176 Donatives given by the kingdom of Naples to
their Kings Court 106 Dukes of Benevento 38. Dukedom of Benevento usurped by the Greeks ibid. Death of Alexander King of the Molossians 50. E. EFfigies lives of the Kings of Naples 139 Euoli a famous town in the Principality Citra 34. The noble Families of the said town 35. F. FRederick the second Emperour and sixth King of Naples 148. Ferrante the first of Arragon eighteenth king of Naples 161. Ferrante the second the one and twentieth king of Naples 161. Frederick 22 king of Naples 164. Ferdinand the Catholick 24 king of Naples 166. Flora and its riches 20. Fertility of the Province of the Prinpality Citra 23. Fairs and noble Families of Salerno 33. Female become male 34. Fountains Rivers and Lakes in the kingdom of Naples 111. Fondi a City in the land of Lavoro 6. Fens and Marshes of the kingdom 127. Fishes bred in the sea belonging to the land of Lavoro 5. G. GAeta a citie and its gulf 17. Giovanna the first twelfth Queen of Naples 154. Gelasius the second the fifth Pope 6. Giovanna the second 15 Queen of Naples 157 Giovanna the third 25 Queen of Naples 166 Giacomo Sanazaro 10. Gâ—avina a citie why so called 67. Gulfs and Capes of the sea in the kingdom 45. Gulf of Salerno 28. Gulf Adriatick where it begins 63. Gulf of the famous citie of Venice ibid. Great Constable 184. Great Admirall ibid. Great Justice 185. Great Chamberlain 186. Great Protonotary ibid. Great Chancellor ibid. Great Steward 187. H. HEnry the sixth King of Naples 147 Hunting of Swordfishes 55. Hills in the kingdom of Naples 1â—5 How long the Samnites warred against the Romans 69. I. ISland of Capri 12. Ischia ibid. Islands of Eolia 54. Ionick sea where it begins 60. Iohn of Procida caused the Sicilian vespers 12. L. LAdislaus fourteenth king of Naples 156. Lakes of the said kingdom 128. Lewis the 12 king of France 13 King of Naples 16â— Lake of Celano 60. Lake of Averno 9 Lanciano a Citie in Apuzzo 71. Land of Lavoro its praises 6. Lewis king of Italy 30. Land of Otronto seventh Province of the kingdom 61. Land of Lavoro why so called 4. Land of Bari eight Province 66. Lives portraitures of the Kings of Naples 139. M. MAnfredi eighth king of Naples 151. Massa a citie 11. Marigliano 16. Manna what it is and how it is ingendred 57. Matera a citie in the land of Otronto 64. Mines which are in the kingdom 132. Misenus Aeneas his Trumpeter â—0 Miracle of Saint Pantaleon his blood in Ravello 28. Martian water brought to Rome 80. Mines in Calabria 48. Mine of Bolearmonick in the said citie 64. Mines and Bathes in the land of Lavoro 5. Manner of writing used by the Kings of Naples to divers Kings and Princes 181. Mount St. Angelo and its description 87. Mount of Somma 11. Mount Casino 19. destroyed by the Saracens 39. Mount Virgin a famous Monastery 42. Mount of salt in the said Province 50. Mount Leone a place in Calabria 53. N. NAture of the territory of the land of Lavoro 4. Nature and qualities of the inhabitants 6. Naples faithfull to the Romans and its praises and Arms 10 11. Nisita an Island why so called 13. Names of the Viceroys of Naples from the year 1505. 183. Nola a noble citie and its Citizens 21. Of the cattell which had custom paid for them in the kingdom of Naples in the year 1592. 91. Nucera 24. O. ORigine and difference of the crowns of the Noblemen of the Kingdom of Naples 188. Otho the sixth Emperour seeketh to take away the body of St. Bartholomew of Benevento 40. Otranto a citie of the Kingdom 61. How far it is distant from Greece ibid. P. PAtria a Lake 8. Piacenza a citie why destroyed by the Romans 34. Principality Citra second Province 22. Principality Vltra third Province and why so called 37. Procida why so called 12. Philip the second 27 king of Naples 170. Philip the third 28 King of Naples 171. Physicians famous in Salerno 32. Q. QValities of the inhabitants of Basilicaâ—a 46. Qualities of the Inhabitants of Calabria 60. Qualities of the inhabitants of the land of Otronto 65. Qualities of the inhabitants of the land of Bari 68. R. REnato of Anjou 16 king of Naples 159. Reggio a citie of Calabria 55. Revenues the crown of Spain hath in the kingdom of Naples 97. Rivers in the kingdom of Naples 111. Rock of Mondragone 8. Rhodes how it came into the hands of the knights of St. Iohns order 26. Ruggiero first king of Naples 139. Robert the 11. king of Naples Robert Guiseard Duke of Puglia 76. S. SAracens gain a great number of places in Capitanata 87. St. Thomas Aquinas 18. St. German why so called 19. St. Paulino inventes of Bells 20. Sanseverino 24. Salerno why so called 29. Saracins come over into Calabria 30. Sarno a River 33. St. Antony Abbot of whence he was 34. Saint Vito and his body within the demains and Territory of Evoli 35. S. Bartholomew Apostle in Benevento 39. Scituation of Calabria in ancient times 49. Saint Thomas Apostle and his body where they are 71. St. Erasmus which appears to Seafaring men ibid. Sessa a citie and why so called 8 Siccardo Duke of Benevento 29. Sea-compass whose Invention 27. T. TAncred fourth King of Naples 145. Taranto a chief citie 62. Temple Floriano 20. Temple of Iuno in Basilicata 45. Titles of dignity used by the Kings of this kingdom 181. Tower of the Grecian and of the Annunciata 11. Totila King of the Gothes 19. Troy of Puglia by whom built 92. Tremiti anciently called the Diomedean Islands 93. Traietto 7. Tranie a citie 67 V Vlesti a destroyed citie 89. Volturnus a River 8. Vniversity of Salerno by whom founded 32 W. WInes and Oyls made in the land of Lavoro 5. Woods which are in the Kingdom A Collection of the prime Materials that go to the structure of the second part of the History of the Kingdom of Naples with the additions to the first A ALphonso Duke of Calabria made Knight of the English Garter in policy In Epist. ded A strange Prediction of Benincasa before the last tumults in Naples In proem A rare observation in the number seven ib. The Advantage which a due reverence to the Church carrieth with it to a State In proem An Abridgment of the expeditions and exploits of Charls the fift fol. 2 Of Don Antonio of Portugal 8 Of Antonio Perez ib. A cross Alliance betwixt France and Spain 25 A relation of the marriage betwixt them at the confines ib. A Letter from the last King of France to his new Queen with her answer 26 A Treaty of a match betwixt Prince Charls and the Infanta of Spain The Arrival of the said Prince in Spain and the circumstances ib. A high Speech of Olivares at the Princes coming ib. Another Speech of Gondamars 27 An Appearance of the Infanta two daies after in publick with a blew ribond about
made a Bishops Sea This City was very faithfull to King Ladislaus from whom for this cause it attained many priviledges and so strong was the Castle thereof that it was held one of the Keys of the Land and therefore was there alwaies held a strong Garison of Soldiers Gaeta hath alwaies the best Haven which as Spartianus writeth was repaired with great cost by Antonius Pius This City had great honour by Galasius second Bishop of Rome by that famous Thomas of Viao of the Order of Preachers General and after Cardinal of the Church R. this excellent man past to a better life at Rome the 9 of August in the year 1534. And moreover about our time Iohn Tharcagnota hath been very famous whose History is generally known to all Following on the said way there are seen even to Mola which are five miles delightfull Gardens near the crooked shore of the Sea under Gaeta full of green flourishing Oringes Lymons and other pleasant fruits environed with delightfull Christaline streams yielding much content to the beholders thereof Proceeding somewhat forward in following the aforesaid pleasant way on the sea-side is seen the beautifull City Mola built by the ruines of the ancient City Formia now called Ormia which a little distance are seen the Foundations of Formia built by the Laconi according to Pliny and was so called by the conveniency of the Haven as Strabo writeth this ancient City was the habitation of Antiphate King of the Lestrigoni most cruel Tyrants Mola hath very fair and fruitfull Territories some think that Mola was so named of the Wharfs or rather of the Mills which are therein turning by the continual course of water which plentifully riseth from the bottom of the Hils In this Country was the fair and delightfull Village Formiana of Scipio and Lelius the true and faithfull friends which afterward was purchased by Cicero and throughout all this Country which is from Mola to the River Garigliano are seen the ruins of great buildings whereby it may be thought that those places in ancient time were much inhabited being the most delightfull pleasant and fruitfull that the Roman Empire had After Mola three miles upon a little Hill is the Castle Honorato in the way Hercolantea builded by Honoratus of Gaeta County of Fondy Not far off is the Hill Cecubo which stretcheth to the Gulf of Gaeta this Hill is much renowned for the excellency of the Wines thereof which are much commended by Horace by Martial and Strabo following that way towards the mouth of the River Garigliano where it runneth into the Sea before Clanino is Liris so much celebrated for the overthrow which the Saracins had by Pope Iohn the 10th and for the Victory obtained by Consalvo Ferrando of Cordova against the French to whose only valour was attributed the Victory of them and the flight of the Turks whereby he gained the glorious sirname of Great Captain a favour vouchsafed from heaven whereof the world hath so few This said River riseth from the Appennine Mountains and passeth by the Territory of Vestino near to the Country of Fregelle now a famous City and goeth by Luco or rather the Sacred Wood sometimes honoured of the Minturnesi which was near the said City On the left side of the said River is seen upon a little Hill the City of Traietto builded near to the place where was the City of Minturne the ruines whereof are now to be seen and almost the whole Theatre and the ancient aquiducts Minturne was builded by the Ausoni and was afterward a Roman Colony and was divided by the River near the mouth thereof It was in the time of Pope Marcellinus honoured with a general Councel and it was one of the Cities which for the grievance of the air was priviledged by the Romans both from the Wars and other burthens and Impositions Cai. Marius flying hither secretly hid himself in a moorish or fenny place and beholding an Asse to go very pleasantly to the water to drink took it for a good presage or a token of good fortune re-inforced his Army and putting to Sea entred Rome victoriously From thence leaving the Confines of this Region of Latium we enter on the right hand into the Land of Lavoro and the Hill which is in the entrance of the Land of Lavoro very near to the mouth of Garigliano hath many famous names for in some place it is called Gauro in other Massico and in some other Gallicano that part thereof that is nearest to Garigliano is called Gauro from whence the River hath been called Gaureliano Pliny saith that this Gauro as also the Hill Vessuvio near Naples yieldeth Sulphur or Brimstone which the hot-waters sufficiently declare which at this present are seen to issue and boyle where now is the Tower of the Bathes and the Bathes themselves After Minturn the first Land that is nearest in the Land of Lavoro on this side was Trifano situated by Livy between Minturn and Sinuessa the next following was Sinuessa five miles as Strabo saith from Minturn but it is ten miles as it now appeareth Livy saith that there were two Colonies brought about the Territory Vestino and Falerno one at the mouth of Garigliano which was Minturn as is said and the other in Vestino which confineth with the Territory of Falerno where first there was a Greek City called Sinope which was builded by the Sinopesi and was by the Roman Colony called Sinuessa because it joyned near to the City Sessa Here died old Turpillus that comical Poet many ruines of this City are to be seen on the land but more in the Sea and the Haven thereof had a large Key or Wharlf made by mens labour at the top of the Hill called Dragone saith Livy that Fabius Maximus led his Army by the top of the Mount Massico forbidding passage to Hannibal and that the Souldiers of Hannibal sackt the Country even to the water Sinuessano from whence it seemeth that the Mount Massico whereon Fabius Maximus held his Army is a part of the same Hill which reacheth from Sessa to Carinola In the place of Sinuessa two miles from thence upon the Hill is the Fort of Mondragone honoured with the dignity of a Dukedome the Town whereof stands in the Plain less then a mile from the Sea where Sinuessa was is nothing seen but the Baths which as Strabo saith doe cure many diseases and especially help women that ate baren After the Fort of Mondragone upon the Hill Massico which is full of Villages from the part towards the Sea there is no land or Castle but from that part which is towards Garigliano between the Sea Garigliano the way Appia and the Mount Massico is no more plain then eight miles every way and is manured and inhabited with much people and is now called the Villages of Sessa which Plain in the happy time of the Romans was
very fruitfull three full Meadows abounding with much Grass as Martial affirmeth Near Cascano one of the said Villages is a Vein of Gold which King Alfonsus the first made use thereof but now it is fallen to decay because they say it yields not sufficient profit into the Kings Exchequer yet the Reverend Majesty of the Roman Commonwealth did not so for that they respected no other end then the common utilly caused the Mines to be digged for the relief of those poor people that laboured therein Now turning us into the way Appia as it passeth by the foot of the Hill Massico is the ancient City Sessa called of the Latines Suessa anciently named Pometia and sometimes Arunca builded as some say by Hercules it hath been inhabited by sundry people the first was said by the Arunci and the Ausoni and the Seclecini and after by the Volosci and last of all the Vestini as it appears in sundry places of Livy the Territory whereof is very fertile of all sorts of Fruits but particularly Corn Wine and Oyle which for great abundance the Citizens thereof say proceeds from the excellency of the air and that Sessa was so called as it were Suavis Sessio being so well and so excellently situated and therefore the Emperor Claudius growing sickly and weak went thither to recover his health Sessa was a priviledged City of the Romans that worthy Philosopher and Phisician Augustine Nifo hath in these our daies much honoured this City The Arms of this City is a Lyon Rampant gules in a field or it hath the dignity of a Dukedome the Lord whereof is Don Antonio of Cordova Duke of Somma Nephew to that Noble Lord Consalvo Ferrando of Cordova Going from Sessa by the way Appia on the right hand of Massico eight miles is Carinola sometime called Calâ—no an ancient City joyned on the one side to the Territory of Falerno and on the other to the Hill Massico the Fields Falerni stretch from Carinola to Cassilino which was afterwards called Casteluccio and was here joyned with the Field Stellato more pleasant then any other part of Italy as Livy writeth The Hill Massico stretcheth beyond the City of Tiano and of Calvi called long since Cales even to Cajazza which the Ancients have called Calatia this Hill is extended with a back on the left hand from Calvi to Venafro and from thence directly to Volturno another part boweth on the right hand full of Woods and Caves and goeth to Caianello sometime called Calicula And to Vulturno on the right hand of the mouth of Vulturno was sometime a City called also Vulturno as Livy witnesseth and was where we now see the Land called Castello to the Sea of Vulturno not far from the Sea is to be seen Patria builded upon the ruines of Linterno which was the Town of Scipio Africanus where he made choice to live when he betook himself to a voluntary exile and where he spent the latter part of his life It is said that he caused to be written on his Sepulchre Ingrata patria non possidebis ossa mea There is near Linterno among the ruines thereof the Fountain of water Acidula which water is said to make a man drunken as wine and the Shepherds report that whosoever drinketh of this water is delivered from all pain of the head and we having a desire to make trial thereof found it to savour well as all other and although a certain fume ascendeth up the nose in smelling it as Wine useth to doe yet drinking but a little we could not perceive the effects thereof which it procureth in drinking Five miles from Linterno is Cuma between which two places where the shore is crooked between the Pool and the Sea was the Town of Servilio Vacia of whom Seneca speaketh Cuma was builded by the Galcidesi and the Cumei the leaders of the Colonie which came thither to inhabit were Hippocle Cumeo and Megastene Calcidese which agreed between them that from the one it should take the inhabitants and from the other the name although some say it was named Cuma from the waves for Cuma is as much as to say Onda for being near the stony shore it is full of mighty Rocks continually beaten with the waves of the Sea Near Cuma is the Promontory Miseno where was buried Misceno the Trumpeter of Aeneas and between these two is the Lake Acherusia which is a Moor or Marsh of the Sea very muddy leaving Miseno near under the Promontory is the Lake From thence the shore fetcheth a compass making a gulf where is the Castle Baia and the Baths of warm water no less profitable for health then delight Baia was so called by Baio the Companion of Vlisses which was there buried Near Baia is the Lake Locrino in the time of the Romans within it was the renowned Lake Averno The Lake Lucrino was so called by the profit of the Fishes and Oysters that were taken there Following the shore is the City of Pozzuolo which in former time was the Harbour of the Ships of Cumani builded upon the Hill In the time afterward of the Wars of Hannibal the Romans replenished it with people and of the Ditches named it Pozzuolo Others affirm that it was so named by the ill savour of the water which from Bale even to Gumeo is generally felt Following then that shore from Pozzuolo are seen many Springs of wholsome and medicinable water on the shore near the Ruines departing from Pozzuolo and going by the way which leadeth to Naples are great ruines of buildings on every side for the space of a mile At the end of these ruines is the Court of Vulcan now commonly called Solfatara which is a Plain inclosed round about with smokie Hills in the manner of fiery Fornaces from whence out of divers places arise very stinking exhalations and the Plain is all full of Sulphure and sometime it boileth out more then eight hand breadths in height and being mixed with the earth it seemeth black and in in such sort that it may rather be called dark clay then water Here amongst those natural things that is worthy consideration it seemeth that the watry humour preserveth the Sulphure in such manner that during all the time it continually burneth it consumeth not and the fire abideth in the same holes the water issuing by the same passage This place was also called of ancient writers Campo Flagro as it were a burning field from whence the Poets feign that there was the battel of the Giants with Hercules and that the flashing of their wounds and the Conquest of the Giants do cause such and so great ebolitions of fire and water Bending afterward to the North a little from thence is the Hill Asturno very high in the midst whereof is a Plain very low reduced into a circle being two miles in circuit where is a little Pool with Sulphure water which
Near Naples is the Greek Tower first called Herculea of Hercules which came thither with many Ships after he left Nontiata near the ancient Stabie At this place standeth aloft that famous Hill of Somma called Vesevo and Vesuvio about which are situated many pleasant Villages except in the top where the Poets feign remain the shoulders of the Giant Porfirius In the time of the Emperor Titus with a general fear to all those in the fields and destruction of them which were nearest it cast out from the top thereof great flames of fire and Balls of Sulphure Mine and burning stones where Pliny died the great preserver of the Latine tongue whilst he desired to see the great exhalations of that Hill which cast the ashes even into Africa Going a little farther is the City of Castel by the Sea of Stabia so named by the City Stabbia which was not far off which had been destroyed by L. Silla this Castle is situated in a corner of the Mount Gauro where it beginneth to stretch towards the West which maketh the Promontory of Minerva Here about the distance of a mile through the delight of the place King Charls the second builded a Royal Palace calling it for the sweetness of the air the Wholsome House which afterward King Rubert enlarged giving it greater beauty and ornament which place is now possest by the Noble Family Nocera King Ferrant the first having bestowed it on Pietro Nocera his chiefest favorite which for his great valour was afterward by King Ferrant the second made General of the Gallies This Country aboundeth with great plenty of clear water and great store of the best Fruits and for the facility and easie access of the place hath much Traffick According to the division of Strabo of Ptolomy and of Sempronio this City should be placed in the Country of the Picentini which is now called the Province of Principato but we have thought best to confine it in the Land of Lavoro because it is situated in the Gulf of Cratero Within a little is the beautifull City Vico builded by the people Equani then followeth the City Sorrento very ancient and Noble situated on the top of the Hill whose prospect is the Sea Although it be not of that greatness as formerly it hath been it hath a very fertile and delightfull Territory garnished with Vines and Oringes and other fruitfull Trees This City was builded by the Greeks and was called Petra Syrenum In this City lived Antonio the Abbot a most holy man and famous for his miracles whose body remaineth even now as a testimony of his divine Miracles as they say towards those which are oppressed with Spirits Then from Sorrento a mile is the City of Massa newly named to the which Paolo Portarello that excellent Poet and great Humanist hath now and alwaies giveth everlasting glory From hence then is seen the solitary Hill Atheneo the which because it joyneth not with any other Hill passeth along towards the West and is otherwise called the Hill Massa it was also called Prenusso Sirreo Minervio and the Hill Equano in the top of the Promontory is to be seen a great part of the Temple of Minerva builded by Vlisses Under the side of the said Promontory are certain desart and stony Islands called the Sirenes in one whereof from that part which lieth towards Surrento in ancient time was a rich Temple where were certain very ancient gifts long since presented by the Inhabitants of the Country for the worship and reverance of that holy place the Reliques whereof are now to be seen Here endeth the Gulf called Cratera included within two Promontories Miceno and Ateneo which lie towards the South which Gulf is almost wholly planted with Houses and goodly Gardens opposite to the which riseth out of the Sea the Isle of Capri the first delightfull place of Tiberius Caesar but now ordained for Exiles and banished people Here twice in a year are Quails taken Directly against Miseno is the Isle of Prochita now called Procita the which according to Strabo is a part of Pitecuse Procita was so called as Pliny saith by the depth thereof for by miracle the said Isle rise of it self out of the bottom of the Sea But as Dionisius of Alicarnaseo affirmeth that it was named by a beautifull young man a Trojau called Procita which came thither to inhabit Whereof Servio upon these Verses of Virgil saith in his 9 Book Tum sonitu Prochyta alta tremit c. Saith that it had that name from Protheus which signifieth spread or dispersed to the which opinion agreeth the Greeks and almost all the Latines Silio the Italian in his 12 Book speaking of Procida saith thus Apparet Prochyta saevum sortita Numanta Apparet procul Inarime quae turbine nigro Fumantem premit Iapetum flammasque rebelli Ore rejectantem si quando evadere detur Bella Iovi rursus superisque iterare volentem Within this Isle is a fair Country well replenished with people which hath the same name and is very famous for the abundance of Corn that is gathered within it and for the taking of Partridges and Pheasants whereof there is great plenty The Lord of this Isle in former time was Iohn of Procida a Phisitian a man very famous who fearing not the power of King Charls of Angio to revenge a great injury took Sicilia with that famous slaughter of the French commonly called the Sicilian evening and he had done greater matters if he had been permitted This Iohn was in great esteem with Iames King of Arragon after whose death King Peter his son knowing the valour of Iohn Le dio dice il Zurita en el Reino de Valencia para el y sus successores las Villas y Castillos de Luxer Benyzano y Palma con sus alquerias He gave him as saith Zurita in the Kingdom of Valentia to him and his successors the Towns and Castles of Luxer Benyzano and Palma with their bordering Villages From this man descended the Family called Procita which are now very great in the Kingdom of Catalogna and enjoyeth the Countie of Almenare In the said Isle in a fair Church with great reverence is preserved the body of St. Margarite the Virgin and Martyre which was carried thither from Antiochia Salvo Selano the Phisician honoureth much this Isle now living in Naples with great renown who hath written upon the Aphorismes of Hyppocrates The said Isle is distant from Naples twelve miles and in composs seven A little from Procita lieth the Isle Ischia formerly called Inarime Pithecusa and Enaria very famous not only for the Fable which the Greeks feigne of the Giant Tipheo strucken with Iupiters Thunder-bolt but also for a Fortress there being so great that it is held the second Key of the Kingdom The said Castle was builded by Alfonsus of Medina King of Arragon first of this name King of Naples who because
division of the Kings Court place it in this Province of the Land of Lavoro or happy Campania Livy saith that the said City was made at one and the same time a Colony of the Romans with Alba which was of the Territory Vestino but possest by the Samnites This which Livy saith that Sora should be of the Territory Vestino is true for this reason that the City Vestina being near Garigliano in the Plain of Sessa that which was from the mouth of the River even to Sora by the River Garigliano all under one only name of Vestini became so called and Garigliano and Sessa were comprehended under the self-same of Vestini Livy saith that the Sorani becoming rebels and joyning with the Samniti went against them with all their force and saith that in this rebellion the Sorani cut in pieces the Roman Colonies that were there which stirred so great desire of revenge that at length the City was taken by Treason one of Sora bringing in ten Romans secretly into the Castle whereupon the Citizens broke up the Gates in the night and fled away and the Roman Army freely entred in and there were taken 325 of the Sorani Authors of the Rebellion and the death of the Roman Colonies and were carried bound to Rome and cruelly beaten in the Market-place and afterward put to death to the great contentment of the people which desired as their proper interest that in their Colonies their Citizens might be secure But within awhile following the Romans sent another Colony to Sora under the Consulship of L. Genutio and of Servio Cornelio the which for a long time remained there peaceable But in the time afterward of Gregory the ninth was destroyed by the Emperor Frederick the second and for all this was by the same Citizens repaired and in process of time increased in much honour and riches and is now reputed one of the best Cities in all that Province and is adorned with the Title of a Dukedome The said City on the one side is compassed with a stately and strong Wall and the other is defended with the River Fibreno which hath its beginning under the Mountains of Capistrello which is a Country in the Apennin eight miles above Sora which River entreth into Garigliano called in old time Liris near the Monastery of St. Dominico of Cisterniensi This River aboundeth with water and seemeth to be that which according to Pliny cometh from the Lake Fucino which in the beginning is divided into two branches whereof that on the left hand by means of the high and steep Mountains is very swift but that on the right hand running by a Rock and falling not from that hight as the other passeth with a pleasant current very calm and beautifull These two branches being joyned again together under Sora make an Island very delightfull and of much traffick which the Ancients have called Interamina Following the course of these Rivers are these Countries following Torre Campolato Isoletta and Colledrago Now above the Isle before named which with those two Arms makes Garigliano there are very high Hils and almost wholly disinhabited and on the right hand there is a Country above those rough and cragge Hils very pleasant called Comino which is invironed with very high Hils and hath seven Countries wel inhabited that is Vicalvo Alvito Santo Donato Settefrati Piacinisco Gallinaro and Casalviero This Country was in old time called Comino of a City which was there so called whereof Livy speaketh in many places and chiefly in the tenth Book where he saith that it was taken by Spurio Carvillo Consul being entred within it and his Souldiers retired which had the Guard of the Market-place there was given to Papirio the Consul eleven thousand and thirty men the first being killed by four thousand three hundred and eighty In this same Country on the right hand under the Hils is Atina an ancient City which was one of those five which made Arms for the aid of Turnus against Aeneas according to Virgil in the seventh of Eneidos Quinque adeo magnae positis incudibus urbos Tola novant Atina potens c. At the side of the said City runneth the River Melfa which riseth in the Apennin Hils and entreth into Garigliano near Pontecorvo a City whereof Virgil and Livy make mention Coming down into the bottom of this Country on the side of the said River under the Castle of Casalviero on the left hand is a little Country which they call Schiavi and yet lower upon a very rough and craggie Hill is Arpino a famous City whose stately Walls yet standing declare the greatness thereof and although it hath been the natural Country as well of Caio Marius as of Marcus Tullius the one the mirror of Chivalry the other of Eloquence yet that preferring Learning before Martial Affairs used for the Arms M. T. C. Under Arpino on the left hand near the River Melfa is Fontana a little Country and hard by is Arce a worthy City the Territory whereof aboundeth with great store of excellent Fruits and hath a goodly Fortress and is beautified with the Title of a Dukedom Not far off followeth the City Aquino called in old time Aquinum which is almost ruinated whose Reliques manifestly declare what great estimation it had in former times where apparently are seen the ruines of stately Buildings with goodly Statues of Marble Both now and ever Aquino hath received much honour by Giovenale a Satyrical Poet and Victorino an excellent Geometrician who flourished in the time of Leo the first according to the opinion of some he found the computation of Easter according to the course of the Moon at the perswasion of Pope Hillary Moreover Pescenio Negro Emperor of Rome hath honoured this Country as Herodian declareth in his second Book of his Cesars And although the said City be almost ruinated nevertheless it hath the dignity of a County Here Robert Guiscardo the Norman was created with great solemnity Duke of Apuglia and Calauria by Gregory the seventh Bishop of Rome in the year 1073. as Biondo writeth in his Histories and Platina in the life of the said Gregory But above all that Angelical Doctor St. Thomas hath most honoured Aquino the which though born in Naples is sirnamed of Aquino because his Ancestors possest that Country with other Cities and Lands Iohn Menardo saith that the said Angelical Doctor was of the House of Frangipane others say that he was of the Noble Family of Sammacula and that afterward from that Seignory as we have said which they had of Aquino they were sirnamed of Aquino the which Family was much advanced by Adinolfo County of Aquino for as much as by the common consent of the Gaetani he was created Duke of their City among the ancient Poets Rinaldo of Aquino hath been very excellent of whom Monsignor Pietro Bembo maketh mention in his Epistles
caput urbium Capua quodam inter tres maximas Romam Carthaginemque numerata c. The PRINCIPALITY On this side the second Province of the Kingdome OF NAPLES THe ancient Inhabiters of this Province were called the Picentini But Arechi the second 14th Duke of Benevento in the year 755. much enlarged his Dukedom for as much as he not only subdued by force of Arms the Picentine people but also the Irpini whereupon growing proud usurped the Title of Prince and was the first in Italy that attributed to himself that Title and so commanded that his State should be no more called a Dukedom but a Principality And from hence perhaps it so came to pass that within a while after from that new Title of Prince all that part of the Picentini and of the people Irpini by one only name were called Principato The Confines of the Picentini according to Strabo Ptolomy and Sempronius hath on the West the happy Campania on the North the Irpini on the East the River Silaro and Basilicata and on the South the Tirren Sea This said Country was within the said limits in breadth 16 miles and in length beginning from Sirenuse even unto the mouth of the River Silaro 260 furlongs which is 33 miles But according to Pliny only 30. the circuit of which Country contained a part of old Campania The Romans brought these people from Adria to inhabit here about the borders of Pestano But afterward being Confederate with Hannibal the Carthaginian the Romans for this cause became afterwards their enemies who in disdain drove them out of the Country and were forced to dwell elsewhere as some report their principal City was Picentia as Pliny testifieth the which are also so named by Pomponius and Silius in his eight book from the which these people derive the name Picentia of the Picentini as some say Others affirm that the Sabines having chosen of a new people ceâ—ain Colonies sent them under the Conduct of Pico which brought them into the borders of Pestano and there built the City of Picentia from whence they were afterward called Picentini Others say that they were so called of Piceno from whom their fore-fathers draw their first original and that from their City the people were so called And last of all others say from Pico their Captain they had that name which led the first Colony of Sabines into a part of Pestano The Territories of this Province are very fruitfull in many places of all sorts of Corn and have sufficient store of Cattel and where there is not that abundance of these things yet that great Mother Nature yieldeth other things very plentifull which in time of Harvest sufficiently appears that even among themselves there seems a certain emulation Besides this the Sea which every where with great abundance of divers sorts of Fishes both shel-fish and others furnish it as it were glorying it self comes nothing behind the other To conclude the greatest part of this Region bringeth forth Corn Wine Oyl Rice and all other sorts of pulse And those places which are any thing scarce of these things besides divers excellent Fruits yield Hony Silk Bombace and Saffron whereupon many say this Region is seasoned and tempered with all the graces It is also adorned with pleasant Woods and thick and shady Groves and hath high and stately Mountains and delightfull Hils with great plenty of Springs and sweet waters On the Sea-side it hath many secure safe Havens and goodly Shores and the places much inhabited it hath besides all sorts of fruitfull Trees and particularly those which were transported by Hercules unto us out of Media as Citrons Limons and Oringes which the beautifull Nymph Amalfi planted in the pleasant Vallies of this Country a place which seemeth to the beholders thereof a most beautifull Embrodery or Arras work where the nearer a man cometh the more pleasure increaseth both to the eyes and the nose besides the Mirtle Trees the Bayes the Gelsomine the Roses the Rosemary and Flowers of sundry kinds and other the like Plants from whence proceeds such a fragrant smell which mingled with divers odours yields an admirable sweetness Who can be able to declare the ornament and furniture of the Vines from whence are had such sweet and delicate Wines Verily the places of this Region are so delightfull and pleasant that they are worthy to be numbred among the most beautifull and most delicate of all Italy And here the air is temperate and wholsome and through all the year excellent hunting both for fowls and beasts In truth the Territory of this beautifull Region is such that all Italy hath not almost the like wherefore it may be called a perfect work of Nature In praise whereof that learned Iulius Cesare Scaligero composed these Verses Quae Borcae gâ—lidas furias contemnit ovantis Torva procellosi despicit arma Noti Medorum silvis foecundas provocat auras Fundit à biseris Indica dona jugis Protinus Autumnus veris cum tempore certat Et ver cum Autumni tempore certat item Huc accessit hyemes venerantibus uda capillis Et peperit mirans sibi poma legit Tuta mari fruitur terrae dominatur amarae Et coeli mutat jura quid ergo Dea. But having now made a description of this Country which beginneth at the mouth of the River Sarno leaving the Castle of Stabie going by the Mediterrane four miles distant from the said River is the City Noceria whereof M. Tullius and Livy makes often mention now called of the Pagans Nueera because the Saracins held it a certain time their Army being overthrown at Garigliano by Pope Iohn the tenth This said City is indued with the dignitie of a Dukedom under the Family of Carrafa And in this City among others are these Noble Families Pagano Rinaldo and Vngro On the right hand of Nucera are certain Hils in the midst whereof lieth the Land of Tramonti so called because it is situated between the Hils At the side of these Hils on the left hand near to a very pleasant Valley is Sanseverino a good and an excellent Country from whence as some affirm the noble Family of Sanseverino derive their original whereof have descended more excellent Warriers then were in the Trojan horse of whose noble deeds Histories make sufficient mention and whereof we have also discoursed in the noble Families of Naples whereto I refer the Reader But returning to the said Country although it be of a later time nevertheless is very famous for the excellent Wines that are had out of the fertile Valleys thereof which the Latines call Amineum vinum whereof Virgil saith Sunt Animeae vitis firmissima vina Some had opinion that from the ruines of the ancient City of Aminio Sanseverino should be builded in which noble Country are many worthy Families as the Curiale Capacini Caiano Folliero dell ' Abbadessa Pandone Pescara of Sarno
Sambarbato Somewhat lower into the said Valley is a Country called the water of Mela of the Latines named Aqua Malorum where died Queen Margarite of Durazzo wife to Charls the third King of Naples Near to the said Country is a certain River which passeth a few miles but dives under the earth running through certain holes and Channels in the ground unseen the space of a hundred paces and then riseth out again so great and clear as at the first On the right hand of the Valley and of the River upon a hill is the City of Cava so named by the situation where it standeth For that Adalferio Pappacarbone a noble Salernitan in the year 910. drawn with holy zeal to do penance for his sins retired himself into this place abiding in a certain Cave The fame of his vertuous and holy life encouraged many to do the liâ—e whereupon in process of time it came to pass that place was much frequented for the worship and reverence of the sacred Hermitages and Churches that were there for the which Guaimaro the sixth Prince of Salerno in the year 940. built for the benefit of the Monks of the Order of S. Benedict a sumptuous and stately Monastery and indued it with great Revenues In process of time following the said Monastery was given in commendum to certain Prelates but came afterward into the possession of the Cardinal Olivero Carrafa who understanding the good life of the said Monks restored it to them again Pope Leo the tenth agreeing thereto at which time the Cavaioli desired of the said Pope a Bishops Sea which they obtained and moreover was ordained that for maintenance of that Pastoral Charge the Monastery aforesaid should give yearly to the Bishop a thousand and eight hundred Duckets of Revenue and so it appeareth that the Cavaioli had made a great beginning to their Cathedral Church Thus much concerning the original of this City where are these Noble Families Anna de Curtis Gagliardo Longo Ponza Rocca and Tosone The Cavaioli are ingenious men and of great Traffick but above all full of spirit and courage wherein generally appeareth in them a ready inclination to fight and are very obstinate in their opinions and therefore very litigious and full of contention with every one Returning to the shore of the Sea from Nuceria eight miles leaving the Castle Amare and on the left hand also passing by a great and mighty high Hill where from the side that lieth towards the North is Gragnano and Littere small Countries in the Plain going by the side of high and spacious Mountains which pass along to the Terrene Sea makes the Cape of Minerva or Ateneo called also Prenâ—sso Sirreo and the Hill Equano which is now so called by the Amalfi in which arm of Land are these Cities Vico Sorrento and Massa which we have described in the Province of the Land of Lavoro being so divided by the Kings Court. In the aforesaid arm of Land endeth the Haven of Crattera or rather the Gulf of Surrento made of two Promontories that is by Miseno and Ateneo which lieth towards the South Now all the circuit which is in that bending which is of this Promontory towards the East even to the nearest places of the Territory of Salerno now belonging to old Campania as Strabo affirmeth is called as â—ath been said the Coast of Amalfi from the City of Amalfi where lieth a pleasâ—nt and an excellent Country to the South which is in length little less then twenty miles Here between the stony and craggie Rocks and steep Hils lieth Pasetano Praiano Trani and the noble and pleasant City Amalfi in the which in a most sumptuous and stately Church is preserved with great reverence the body of St. Andrew the Apostle where continually attendeth a Priest which hath charge thereof which they say accustometh to bestow on every one that comes thither certain Viols full of clear and sacred liquor by the Citizens called Manna which as they say continually issueth from that holy body the which was brought thither by Pietro Capoano of Amalfi and Cardinal of St. Marcel which was in the year 1208. The head of the said glorious Saint in the time of Pope Pius the second was transported to the worthy City of Rome in the year 14â—4 where now it is most religiously kept There is also the Church of the Capuocini called the Canonica the way whereof is very rough and difficult where is a Reliquary made by the said Cardinal wherein is preserved a great number of the Reliques of Saints When I was there I repuested the Keeper of the place to give me a Note of them the which because he could not instantly do it he sent it me afterwards to Naples written by that good religious man in Verse which followeth the which pleased me so well as to impart unto posterity those reverend and holy Reliques Religio vel casus si huc te duxerit hospes Condita Sanctorum cernere corde kara Clauditur ô tectis quantus thesaurus inistis Accedens sacris collige sisquo memor Lumine nam tremulo spectabis brachia Cosmae Carne cruore cute cum unguibus illa simul Sanguis inest Christi quo dura ex morte redemptus Es mortalis homo respice plange geme Emicat hic ligni pars sancta ex cruce recisi Et tumuli sacri spinaque morte Dei. Nam caput hic Dioniedis adest venerabile cruce Ictu Iacobe alto est saucia calva tua Basilii caput est Romani signa colenda Accedunt mentes Eustachii â—ssa pias Hic Stephani hic Zacheriae fulgentis ossa Insontis turbae frustula multâ— jacent Pangratii cerebrum est Catharinae ac optima mala Vrsula jamque suo sanguine corde movet Ossa hic Marci adsunt Grisostomi ossa Phâ—lippi Qui moveant nostras excipiani que preces Plurima sanctorum monumenta hic deinque fragrant Quae carvere suo haud nomine nota mihil Haec ut scuta potes miserae tutamina vitae Voce vocare diu quaerere mente piâ—i Haec tibi succurrent posituro morte dolores Namque sodalis eris dum soci usque comes Namque dies aderit supremi transitus orbis Qua potes istorum scandere laetus ope Nunc calamum sumpsi nunc haec tibi scripta notavi Vive praecor felix memor ipse mei Of what great Power and Authority the said City hath been the stately Buildings that were therein sufficiently testifie where at this present a great part of the sumptuous Arsenal or Store-House is yet standing wherein the Amalfitani kept their Arms and Weapons In what time or by whom the said City should be builded there is no certainty for some believe that in the year 520. certain worthy Romans which departed from the City of Melfi and here residing should build the said City calling it Amalfe Others attributing
round about That R. Padre Matthia Iuono sirnamed Aquario of the Order of Preachers hath given great honour to this Country of the learning of this man many Works written by him are sufficient testimony that is to say certain learned discourses upon all the principles of Logick natural Philosophy Metaphisick and the Soul upon the four Books of Sentences and another book in particular of the exquisite learning of the controversies between St. Thomas and all the other Doctors and Philosophers with a brief discourse de memoria artificiali de significationibus terminorum juxta doctrinam Sancti Thomae The said learned man died in the year 1591. Walking a little forward is the Country of Olivito the natural Country of Camillo Borrello an excellent Lawyer Olivito was so named because the Territory thereof is full of Olives But leaving these Mediterranean places and walking the ruinous way by the shore we come to Agropolo where is reported that through the delicacy of the air women at twelve years of age are capable of husbands like to the Cipriots which at that time lose their virginity After we come to the Castle of Abbate is the Cape of Licosa first called the Promontory of Possidoniate hard by is the Castle of Bruca a relique of old Velia with the River Electe which taketh the name from the City of Elea and hither the Romans sent to celebrate their accustomed sacrifice to Ceres their Goddess Before the Country of Elia are the two little Isles of Enotrie which have two little artificial Havens the one called Isacia and the other Pontia Afterward appeareth upon a high hill Cammerota in a small circuit of ground builded as some affirm by the reliques of the ancient City of Molpa which standeth but a little distant Going afterward some few miles is a goodly Fortress Near Policastro with the Gulf which the Ancients call the Haven Saprico is the City of Sapri now named Bonati Within the Land is Capaccio Novi and the Valley of Diano a litle from whence upon a hill is a Country called Atane on the other side is Polla Tito and Sala so called because the hils are full of Sage whereupon because in this Valley riseth a great Spring of water which the City of Diano takes the name from Atane of Atteone Tito of Titan which is the Sun Apolla of Apollo it seemeth from the resemblance and near affinity of these names and from the pleasantness of the Country the Fable might here have had its beginning of Atteone the son of Aristeo with Diana After followeth the Fenn with the rich Monastery of St. Laurence possessed by the Carthusian Monks and not far distant is Laurino Saponara and Marsico with many other places But to conclude touching this Province it remaineth that I now declare the disposition and nature of these people which are of a strong constitution and naturally merry ready in arms desirous of learning wary in their affairs and given both to pleasure and profit they are also painfull and industrious and inclined to Traffick the Gentlemen are comely and neatly attired nothing differing from the manner of the Neopolitans but the common people respect not so much civility for as much as they cloth themselves with cloth made of course wooll and base attires on the head All the men in general are very jealous both of their honour and their wives whereupon proceeds the old Proverb Picentinorum Zelotypia In bargaining and contracting their affairs it behoveth a stranger to be very wary for what with deceitfull and flattering speeches and many oaths they easily deceive those that buy any thing of them The Arms of this Country is per fesse ar Sa unto a Sea-compass four wings extended and fixed in Salter with the North-star in chief sinister or The which said arms declare unto us that in this Province was found as hath been said the Mariners Compass with the vertue of the Adamant stone and the Sea-card by Flavio di Gioia whereupon the two fields the one signifieth the day the other the night the four wings which are joyned to the Sea-Compass declare the four Cardinal Winds and chiefest in the world that is to say the East the West the North and the South the shining Star signifieth the North Star wherewith through that excellent invention Pilots and Mariners might sail both day and night with any wind The PRINCIPALITY On the other side the third Province in the Kingdom OF NAPLES THe people of the Principality on the other side are part of the ancient Irpini and derive this name from Lupo which conducted them into this Province to inhabit for so much as the Sabines call Lupo Irpo the which Strabo declareth in the end of his first Book saying Ordine de hinc sunt Hirpini ipsi Samniticae gentis Qui quidem ex Lupo nomen adepti fuerunt qui eis in deducenda Colonia Dux oblatus est Samnites enim Lupum vocant Hirpum The limits of these people were on the East Lucania at this present called Basilicata on the South a part of the said Basilicata with the Picentini and the happy Campania on the West the Sabines and the Vestini on the North the Apennine Hils and the Plain Apuglia now called Capitanato with the Saracins and the Peligni There is also contained in this Province a Country now called the dale of Beneventana the principal part of all Sannio where have been done greater exploits and more in number then in any other part of Italy This Country hath higher hils then the Apennine from whence proceed in certain places little brooks and from almost immeasurable Cliffs and Rocks which is the cause of many Rivers Streams Lakes and Springs it stretcheth in length going along by the Apennine 80 miles from the head of Vulturno to the beginning of the River Silare in Basilicata and of so many Rivers which water this Valley except some few all first fall into the River Sabato and afterward into Vulturno so that from the lower part Sabato seemeth a snag or a branch of a Tree among all the other boughs thereof In Matese which is a Promontory of the Apennine did inhabit the most valiant people of all Sannio Of these people which remained upon these hils Livy saith that they were alwailes faithfull to the Sannites neither could the Roman Army go much before them The principal City of this Region is Benevento edified as Servio affirmeth by Diomedes the Greek and Livy saith that it was first called Malvento and that it was made a Colony of the Romans at the same time with Arimino under the Consulship of P. Sempronio and Ap. Claudio The said City was maintained many years in great peace under the Government of the Romans untill the coming of Tottila King of the Goths into Italy who destroyed it with great slaughter and so remaining ruinated for certain years was afterward repaired
born in this Country and Telesiano the Philosopher the which hath learnedly writ eight books of disputations against the Peripateticks in favour of Berardino Telesio and is now at this present writing De sensu rerum where he shews he understands all things A little distant is Santa Caterina and Badolato a Country very delightfull where is made excellent Wines Oyl Hony and very fine Silk and also is gathered great store of Manna to the which Country Giulio Berlingiero and Giovandomenico Greco excellent Lawyers at this present yield much honour After followeth Satriano called of the Ancients Caecinnum from whom the River taketh the name which runneth but a little from thence of the which Thucidides in his third book maketh mention saying Laches Atheniensis egressi è navibus nonnulla loca locridis juxta caecinnum amnem Locrenses ad arcendam vim occurrentes cum Proxeno Capatonis silio circiter trecentos caeperunt detractisque armis abierunt Afterward is to be seen Petrito a little Castle situate in a pleasant seat where is made excellent good Wine not very far is Claravalle which for the goodness of the Flax contends with Alexandria for the precedence Then followeth Soverato whose Territory is garnished with beautifull Gardens of Citrons Limons and Oringes where near to the Fountain Meliteo is to be seen an Oak whose leaves never fals And afterward is Squillaci a noble and an ancient City built as some affirm by the Ausoni or by the Enotri Of this City thus writeth Strabo Scyllaceum Atheniensium Colonia qui Menestei comites fuere From the name of this City the Gulf of Squillaci taketh its name so perilous to Sailers whereof grows the Proverb Naufragâ—â— Scyllaceus Squillace was a Colony of the Romans as C. Velleio Patercole writeth in his first book to the which City Cassiodoro Munk of the Order of St. Benedict hath given great ornament which writ many books upon divers matters and among others composed the Tripartite History in 12 books and a book de ratione animae and another upon the Canticles he writ another book of Etimologies with a Catalogue of all the Roman Consuls He lived in the time of Iustine the old Emperor and died in the year of our Lord 575. The said City is honoured with the title of a Prince subject to the house of Borgia wherein with much reverence is preserved the body of St. Agatio Here leaving the River Crotalo and Roccella upon a high Hill is Catanzaro a noble and populous City the which was builded by Fagitio Lieutenant in Italy for the Emperor Nicephero And Catanzaro was so called of the Greek word Catizo which in Latin signifieth sedeo to which the excellent situation and the workmanship of Silk and Cloath bringeth great profit it is one of the fairest and principal Cities of Calauria and at this present it is the head of this Province and in it resideth the Kings Audit In the chiefest Church thereof lie with great reverence the bodies of St. Vitaliano and Theodoro Martyrs whose holy lives are written by the reverend Paolo Regio Bishop of Vico. Hard by is to be seen the City of Taverna which standeth near the Wood Sila This City had its original from the ancient Treschinesi the which being in the year 1068. ruinated by the Saracins was afterward reedified within the land in a most strong and inpregnable place but sustaining afterward divers calamities was again newly built by the Citizens thereof two miles distant under a most delicate temperature of air In the Territory of this City groweth the odoriferous Turpentine which Macedonia Damasco and Syria so much esteemed the having thereof This City hath received much honour by Iohn Lorenzo Anania an excellent Divine and Cosmographer which hath writ the Universal Fabrick of the world and a learned discourse of the nature of devils Towards the Sea-side is to be seen Simari and a little distant is the City Trichenesi which had very stately buildings in the old time but at this present the reliques are scant to be seen Then followeth the City Belcastro which some say was the ancient Chona This City boasteth much of St. Thomas of Aquin affirming that he was there born where they say he did the miracle of the Roses for which they cease not to contend with the Neopolitans saying he was of their City this worthy Saint died in the Monastery of Fossanova in the Territory of Terracina in the year of our Lord 1274. Near unto it is Mesuraga called in old time Reatinum builded by the Enotrii of the which Country was the worthy Matteo Vidio of the Order of the Minori whose body with honour lieth in the City of Taverna Not far distant standeth Policastro called by the Ancients Petilia which was builded by Philotete the son of Piante companion of Hercoles Of this City Virgil in the 3. book of Aeneid saith thus Hic illa Dulcis Melibaei parva Philoctetae subnexa Petilia muro This City was a Colony of the Romans the which was many times defended with much valour against the assaults of Hannibal by whom being at length taken was destroyed Then follows Siberna an ancient and an honourable City now called Santa Severina which is situate on a high Hill in the mids between two famous Rivers very strong by nature and after is the Rock where are digged great hils of Salt From hence leaving the River Tacina appears Cutro which aboundeth with excellent Flax and a little above is the Castle which some say should be the place named by the Latines Castra Hannibalis Then appeareth the Isle and the Cape of Pillars before called the Promontory Lacinio and was so called of Lacinio a famous Pirat which went robbing up and down and was afterward slain by Hercules who built there a sumptuous Temple to Iuno which Eneas honoured with a Cup of Gold this place was very famous for the School of Pithagoras and for the ashes of Filotete which laid upon the Altar was not dispersed with the wind This Cape of Pillars in these latter times was so called by the many and great Pillars which are there standing of the said ruinated Temple Leaving this Cape where beginneth the second gulf of the Mediterrane is the famous City of Cotrone in old time one of the greatest and chiefest Cities of Maegna Grecia The opinions of Writers are divers by whom the said City should be builded for some affirm that it was built by Lacinio Corcireo Ovid and Strabo say it should be Misilo Pithagoras more ancient then these writeth that Hercules built it This City was very famous because the Philosopher Pithagoras was a Citizen thereof from whose School proceeded more Philosophers then were Captains in the Trojan horse and also for Orpheus the Poet and Democides the Phisician so much esteemed of the King of Persia besides the beauty of the women have been much
commended for Zeuxses portraying Images in the Temple of Iuno took them for his pattern and for the sports and exercises of Atleta where was Milo so strong that he used to carry a Bull and Egone which in running overtook the young Heifers cutting from them their hoofs and making afterward a present thereof to his Amarillis Walking along we come to the City Cariati which hath the dignity of a Prince and not far off lieth Calopizzato Crusia and the noble and ancient City Rossano built by the Enotri Iohn the 7. Bishop of Rome which was born there honoureth much this City A little farther within the Land is Longobucco where are sound certian Mines of Silver from thence descending towards the Sea we may see Corigliano and not far off is Cassano in so fair and temperate a Country as it is not inferior to the best part of all the Land of Lavoro and here within the circuit of this pleasant Country was the ancient City of Turio which at this present the people of the Country call Terranova Trogo writeth in his 20 book that the said City was builded by Filottete the which was much ennobled by Herodotus having writ therein his Histories in which City he also died as Pliny saith from the same City Octavius Augustus had his beginning And this City hath also been the natural Soil of many Roman Bishops Then appears towards the sea-side Trebisazze Albidona Amendolara and the River Semio called in old time Siri by the City of Siro which stood very near which was afterward named Heraclea to whom the Statue of Minerva bred great wonder in turning and rouling the eyes against the Ionii which sacking and spoyling the City respected it not The men of this Province are of a white complexion of indifferent stature and strong crafty firm and resolute in their opinions hardy and stout much inclined to Learning and Arms they use Daggs Swords and Pikes The Gentlemen attire themselves after the Neopolitan fashion and likewise the women but those which live in Villages are very rude and barbarous The Arms of this Province are per salter or .4 pates gules and on the second partition or so many crosses bastone Sa. The which two Crosses signifie the two Calaurias and the other partitions are the Arms of Aragon These Arms were invented by Don Ferdinando of Aragon Duke of Calauria the son of Alfonsus the first King of Naples for that he would not otherwise express them that although the Region of Calauria was divided by his Father into two Provinces nevertheless he was Lord of them both The Countrey of OTRANTO The seventh Province of the Kingdom of NAPLES THe fair and rich Province of the Country of Otranto called in old time Iapigia as Solon saith of Iapige the son of Dedalus which came thither with many people to inhabit These people had their original from Latii and as others say from the Cretians which with the Illerians came into this utmost bound of Italy This Province was also called Salentina from the Promontory Salentino at this present named the Cape of Santa Maria but as Festus saith of Salo which is to say the Sea which compasseth it almost round about except a little part which joyneth with the firm land others affirm that it was called Salentina of the people Salentini which came with the Cretians hither to inhabit It was afterward called Messapia of the Captain Messapo which came from Peloponesus with a Colony into this Region And not long after it was named by the Creeks Calauria And finally from the City of Otranto all this Region is called the Country of Otranto The figure and form of this Province is an out cape of land which is one of the three angles or corners of Italy wherein endeth one of the two principal capes wherein is a part of the Apennine and here as is commonly thought ends the Adriatick Sea and is united with the Ionian Verily this Province seemeth as another Chersonesus lying under a pleasant air The circuit thereof is little more then 200 miles whose Istmus is between Taranto and Monopoli not exceeding the space of 40 miles in the which Peninsula although the superficial part of the earth for the most part be rough and stony nevertheless being ploughed up discovereth excellent mould and although there be little store of water it yields good pasture for Cattel and bringeth forth Wheat Wine Barley Oats Olives Citrons excellent Musk-millions Figgs Apples Pears Limons Oringes Oxen Asses Mules of the best breed and such abundance of Saffron that it seems to be rather the proper fruit of this Country then of Carthage The great plenty of Oâ—l which is there made seemeth a thing incredible to those which have not seen it whereby all the Kingdom doth not only abound therewith but also the greatest part of Italy and every where is excellent fowling and hunting both for Conies and hares And although the air be very wholsome yet the leprosie is very common by the means as I think of eating Pork and drie Figgs the ordinary food of the common people The springs of water are partly sweet and partly gross and brackish In this Country is bred the Tarantola whose venom is driven away with sound and singing the which Galen also affirms with the authority of Theofrastus of certain other creatures There are also bred the Chersidri and there is no part of Italy more troubled with Grashoppers which devour all things where they come and in one night consume the ripest fields But nature hath provided a remedy by the means of certain Fowls which they call Ganie which destroy this vermin The Hail also much hurteth this Province which almost every year doth some spoil The Thunder is there felt as in the Country of Lavoro both in Summer and Winter But coming to the description of this Province beginning at the River Bradano is Taranto a worthy and an ancient City which some say had that name from the River Tara and others from Tara the son of Neptune and others impute the original to Hercoles This City so increased by the means of Falanto the Spartan who governing under the Democratical Regiment contended sometimes with the Lucani and sometimes with the Senate being alwaies aided by strange Captains having sometines the help of Alexander and sometines of Pyrrhus became so rich that there was no City except Siracusa that brought greater riches to the people of Rome it glorieth much in her Archita that admirable Mathematician which caused a Dove of Copper to fly round about the City and of Aristosseno the Musician Taranto lieth between two Seas whereof the one is called the great the other the little in the lesser which is in compass 18 miles there runneth in many springs and the River Galeso by means whereof and the calmness of the water there are many fishes and no less then in the Sea of Constantinople
The City standeth in an Island like unto a ship having bridges to pass over into the Continent here the ebbing and flowing of the Sea is very violent on the other side with a ditch made by mens labours is joyned the little sea with the great the which ditch is able to receive a gally where at this present is the City esteemed one of the strongest Forts of the Kingdom where was the first Fortress which Fardinando of Aragon King of Naples repaired Of this Country there is no more to be said then that which Horace saith Ille terrarum mihi praeter omnes angulus ridet Coasting from hence is Cesaria a place ruinated by those of Gallipoli with the lower sea full of great skuls of fishes not very far is Gallipoli a City very fair and populous which Pliny calleth Anza but Pomponius Mela nameth it Gallipolis the said City was built by the Greeks which being afterward droven out by the Gauls called it Gallipoli The said City is situate in a narrow piece of Land running into the Sea in the fashion of a Frying-pan in whose utmost part is that most impregnable City both for the situation the Wall and the Castle because the steep and craggy Rocks rampire it where in the Wars between the Aragonesi and the French defended it self in the behalf of Aragon with great commendation That excellent Philosopher Iohn Baptista Crispo hath much ennobled this City who hath writ 23 books De Ethnicis philosophis caute legendis and three others de Animarum statu ex hac vita migrantium Departing from thence is Vgento and the Cape of Luca called in old time the Promonto y of Iapigio and in this place was the famous Temple of Minerva where was kept the Arms and the Chain of Diomedes this cape is now called the cape of Santa Maria in the end of the country so named at this present by the sumptuous church here builded in honour of the glorious mother of our Lord called of the Ancients Promontorium Iapigium and of Pliny Ara Iapigia This cape riseth out as a front or brow of Lacinio compassing on both sides the gulf of Taranto Then followeth Castro a place to be noted for the ruines it sustained by the Turks in the time that Soloman attempted the enterprise of Italy Not far from thence is the cape and the famous City of Otranto here Acomat Bascia first mustered his souldiers in Italy having destroyed this City according to the manner of Mahomet 2. his Prince he made new fortifications in the city whereupon were afterward made by our ancestors so many fortresses through all Europe that they seemed invincible And this city is so near to Greece that it is scant distant 50 miles and therefore in this place I think first Pirrhus and after M. Varro purposed to joyn Italy with Greece by a bridg of ships Here also begins the Adriatick Gulf which is divided from the Ionian sea as it were by a line or path although many say it hath its beginning from the Mount St. Angelo or rather according to some from Ancona This great gulf had its name from the city of Adria the which lying crooked as it were a horn more then any other gulf of the Mediterrane even to Tieste separating Italy from Sclavonia being on the right side full of Havens and having very few on the left and oftentimes so tempestuous whereupon grew this Proverb amond the Ancients Adria furiosior it is now called the gulf of Venice that famous City giving the name by a Ring of Gold which the Duke casteth in on the Ascention day the Popes Legat being present And continuing this course are to he seen near the Lake of Liminiti certain ruins which declare the greatness of the Emperor Adrian After comes the Haven of St. Cataldo and Brindesi which was sometimes one of the chiefest cities in Italy for all the shipping from the East arived here and now through discord and dissention it is half desart And therefore the aire is very unwholsome a thing which hapneth to all great cities why the air is no better is the want of inhabitants because they dry up the moist and moorish places with their tillage and cut down the woods that are too thick and with fire purge the ill air and with high buildings have that which is good so contrarily there is nothing worse then the solitude of great cities because not only they are deprived of the abovesaid helps but of the houses themselves and their ruine is the receptacle of corruption which appeared in Aquileia Rome Ravenna Alexandria in Egipt and also Bagdel For the which cause the Greeks did not too excessively inlarge their cities Plato would not that his should exceed five thousand Families Aristotle that all his people at one instant might hear the voice of the Crier The Haven of Brindesi is like to the head of a hart whose horns compass the city within it because it is divided in two it is barred up with a chain the outward part is guarded by two rocks and an Island the mouth of it is very deep but in the Wars between K. Alfonsus and the Venetians a ship sunk to the bottom which choked it in such manner that hardly a Gally can pass Here we incounter two Vallies digged by hand which brings in the sea on the right hand and the left side of the city lieth in such sort that it makes almost an Island It hath two fortresses one within the two horns built by the Emperor Frederick the second of square stone very beautifully built the other in the â—sle of St. Andrea At the mouth of the outward haven built by King Alfonsus of Aragon Strabo cals this city Brundusium and others write that it was builded by the Etoli and afterward inhabited by the Cretesi which came with Theseus and Gnoso and at last it was a colony of the Romans and in old time was of so great power that L. Floro saith it was the head of the Salentini M Pacuvio the Tragical Poet the nephew of Ennius on whose Tomb saith A. Gellio was ingraven this Epitaph Adolescens temetsi properas hoc te saxum rogat Vt se aspicias deinde quod scriptum est legas Hic sunt poetae Pacuvii Marsi sita Ossa hoc volebam nescius ne esses vale There lieth with great reverence in the principal church thereof the bodies of St. Theodoro and Pelino Martyrs and there is to be seen all the whole tongue of St. Ierome The noble Families that are in this city are these following Balzo Bove Caracciolo Catignano Cuggio d' Eredia Fornaro Pando Pascale Pizzica Ramondo Scomafora Sasso Tomasino Villanova Vacchedani and others Between Brindesi and Otranto every place is full of Olives but from Brindesi to Ostuni for the space of 24 miles there is nothing but bushes and woods Brindesi is distant from Rome 360 miles
part of men therein are imployed in Learning and Arms. The Arms of this Province is or four pales gu a Dolphin proper in his mouth a Cressent argent The original of the which Arms was in the year 1481. At the time that Alfonsus of Aragon Duke of Calauria the son of Ferdinando the first King of Naples drove away the Turks from the city of Otronto and other places whereupon the men of this Province willing to shew that great service which the King had done for them in delivering them from the hands of the wicked Tyrant Mahumet the second Emperor of the Turks for this cause devised the said Arms declaring by the four pales gu in the field or the Arms of the King Fardinando of Aragon The Dolphin was no new invention but very ancient for so much as the monuments declare that the Dolphin with Neptune were the proper ensignes of the country of the Salentini but only they added the half-moon in the mouth of the Dolphin noting thereby that the new Seigniory which the Tyrant Mahumet endeavoured to hold in this worthy Province was by the care and diligence of the valiant Alfonsus and the vertue of the Inhabitants thereof taken from him The Countrey of BARY The eighth Province of the Kingdom of NAPLES THe fertile and fruitfull Province of the Country of Bary was in old time called Apulia Pucetia of Pucetio the brother of Enotrio and son of Licaone which with many followers departed from Greece 375 years before the Wars of Troy and setled themselves in this place the which people were sometimes called Pucetii and sometimes Pedicoli and were the first men sent out of Greece to dwell elsewhere Also the said people which inhabited between the Territory of Taranto Brindesi and the River Aufido were named Etoli of Etolia of Greece the people whereof came into these places to inhabit as certain Writers affirm the Pediculi being droven from thence remained therein What these Pediculi were Strabo declares in his sixth book and Pliny in the third and say that they were nine youths and as many wenches which departed from Illiria and here inhabited from whom descended 13 people and to the end they might dwell the more securely built many Castles and were called Pediculi that is to say boys or children At this present it is called the Land of Bary from the city of Bary anciently called Iapigia and Baretum the head of this Province in the which city in a stately church wherein with great reverence is preserved the body of St. Nicholas sometimes Bishop of Licia from whom continually issueth as is said a certain liquor called by the Citizens Manna which is an admirable thing and the Priests which have the keeping thereof use to bestow on those that come thither little viols of glass full of the said Manna The said Church is served by a hundred beneficed Priests The bounds of this Province was according to Strabo and Pliny from the Territory of Taranto and of the Brindesi along unto the River Fortoro from thence by the Mount Gargano and towards the Adriatick Sea or rather Ionian according to Ptolomy even to the Lucani and the Irpini and the Sanniti and so the said bounds have on the South the Salentini Lucani and Irpini on the North the coast of Ionian and Adriatick on the West the River Fortoro the limit of the Caraceni and Ferrentani now called Abruzzo The goodness and fertility of this Province is very great for it yields Grain Wine Oyl Barley Beans Fitches Annis Comin Coriander Saffron and Bombace There are great Woods of Almons and Olives so bigg-bodied and so high that it seems that nature hath brought them forth as a wonder unto men And to be brief so great is the difference of these Trees from those which grow elsewhere as is between the wild Olives and those which are planted and also of the greatness of the bodies and their admirable height with the fashion of their boughs whereupon the Ancients have said that they were dedicated to Minerva and have also feigned that in these places was hanged Filida the Nymph and is no less plentifull of Oringes Limons and other the like fruitfull Trees as well for the benefit of living creatures as for pleasure besides there is excellent hunting both for fowls and also wild beasts The Sea thereof hath great store of good fishes the air is very chearfull and temperate but the waters are otherwise for they are gross and brackish There are on the side of the Sea these Cities and Countrys following Barletta of later Latinists called Barolum a worthy City rich and full of people built by the inhabiters of Canusio but inlarged by the Emperor Frederick the second In the midst of the Market-place of this noble City is a great Statue of Mettal of ten yards high of the Emperor Frederick although the Barletani affirm that it is the Image of the Emp. Heraclio nevertheless the first opinion is truest There is also a very strong castle which is accounted one of the four that are so famous in Italy Presently follows the fair city of Trany named by Pliny Trinium built by Terreno the son of Diomides and repaired by the Emperor Trajan Hard by is Molfetta a city full of civility which with the title of a Prince is possest by the Lord Don Ferrant Gonzaga chief Justicer in the Kingdom Nicolo sirnamed of Giovenazzo companion of St. Dominick gave the name to this City to whom was revealed the manner of conveying his bones as is to be read in the book of the famous men of the Order of Preachers Walking along we come to Mola Saint Vito Polignano St. Stefano and Villanova Farther within the land are these cities Monopoli built by the ruines of Egnatia to which City hath grown great honour by Bartholomeo Sibilla of the Order of Preachers an excellent Philosopher and Divine and Câ—millo Querno a singular Poet who lived in the time of Pope Leo Ostuno Ceglie Conversano Gioia Rotigliano Altamura Acquaviva Cassano Monorvino Modugno Terlizzi Rutigliano Quarato Pulignano and Biseglia called in old time Vigile a noble city and full of Traffick wherein was found the bodies of St. Mauro Bishop of Sergio and Pantaleone martyred for the Christian faith being revealed to Francesco del Balzo d' Andri Lord of this city who caused them to be put with great reverence in an honourable Sepulchre from which riseth as they say continually a precious liquor called Manna After follows Bitetto Ruvo and Gravina a great city very fair and civil the which with the title of a Duke is anciently possest by the worthy Family Orsina Don Antonio Orsâ—no is the present Duke thereof a young man which is very likely to imitate the honourable steps of Duke Ferrant his father of worthy memory And the said Gravina was the Garner and Store-house of Puglia for the inestimable quantity of corn which was gathered in
Latines Aprutium because it is mountenous and full of wild hoggs Others affirm that a part of Abruzzo being sometimee inhabited by the Precutini time having corrupted the word instead of Precutio was called Aprutio I name this Province Abruzzo as it is by the Kings Court and as at this present it is commonly called changing the letter P. into B. The bounds of Abruzzo had on the East the River Fortore Tronto on the West on the North the Adriatick Sea and on the South the Apennine Hils and moreover also it had on the East the Plain Puglia with the River Fortore on the West part of the Sabines Picentini and Campani with Latium the Equicoli along the Apennine as much on the one side of the said Hill as is on the other It now taketh its beginning from the mouth of the River Pescara and goeth along the shore of the Adriatick sea even to the mouth of Fortore where it ends with Capitanato leaving by that Province the City of Teramo and between the Land with Abruzzo on the other side and that branch of the River Pescara which rising from the streight of Valata passeth by the foot of the Apennine against the Land of Popoli and near it entreth into the Valley called Itramonti leaving all the country which hath the River on the right side and a little higder above the Marsi are the Apennine Hils where the River Sangro springeth which riseth from that obscure Valley of Barrea which they call the Kings Valley in the Plain near the castle of Sangro which divides this Province from the county of Molise This Province is partly plain and partly mountainous and hath great plenty of Rivers and great and thick Woods and the Territory thereof is very fertile for it bringeth forth Wine Grain Oyle Rice Barley and other Corn and everywhere is gathered great abundance of excellent Saffron And although the air be somewhat cold nevertheless the amenity of the country is sweetned thereby with so good a temper and such plenty of fruits and heards of cattel and abundance of wild beasts besides ravenous creatures as wolves and bears Some think that the Frentani were the most valiant people of all Italy but as I think they were much deceived having not first well considered the words of Pliny who describing the Region of the Frentani saith it makes the fourth which from the River Tiferno beginneth the fourth Region of the Frentani so that by these valiant people he meaneth the Frentani themselves and the Marrucini which came afterward and the Peligni and the Precutini and who readeth the Roman Histories may know that the squadrons of the Peligni were preferred before all the Latine Nations The principal city of this Region is called at this Present Civita di Chieti named by Ptolomy Teatea and of Pliny Theate and also of Strabo Theate and was so called by Theata the mother of Achilles Both these said Authors write that this city was the chief and principal head of the Marucini as likewise Silio affirms the same saying Marhucina simul Frentanis aemula pubes Corfini populos magnumque Theate trabebat This city is situate upon a very high hill distant from the Adriatick Sea no more then seven miles it was destroyed by Pepin the son of Charls the great for taking part with the Longobards but it was about two hundred years following repaired again and became so pleasing to the Normans for the most pleasant situation thereof that Gotfredo the brother of Ruberto Guiscardo in the time of Pope Nicholas the second possessing this Province made the said City the head of all the Country of Abruzzo the Territory thereof is very excellent and bringeth forth all necessary things as well for profit as pleasure beyond the River Sangro among the Peligni is the ancient City of Orton upon the Sea being by Strabo called Ortonium and of Cato Ortonum but Ptolomy nameth it Orton And Strabo writeth that it was in old time called Petra Piratorum because the Rovers and Pirats retired hither when they had robbed at the sea in the which City is to be seen in a very stately Church where with great reverence is preserved the body of St. Thomas the Apostle with his ancient Tomb in which Church appeareth alwaies upon the Steeple when any ship is in danger at sea the miraculous light of St. Heramo which the Ancients attributed to Castor and Pollux although Philosophers affirm that it naturally proceeds from the repercussion of the air through the winds and water which seemeth very unlikely because there is not so much as the leaf of a tree that moveth without the providence of God how should this light casually chance the sea presently becoming calm and the sailers in safety which in that perilous state called faithfully upon the name of God Neither can it be by the means of any evil spirits for never is shewed any deed of piety but by some celestial and divine means and especially towards the faithfull Not far distant from Ortona is to be seen Ferentana at this present corruptly called Francavilla because it was often possest by the French this City was according to Razano the head of the Frentani From the River Sangro or Sanguine called in old time Saro four miles distant and as far from the sea is Lanciano a noble City called by Pliny Anxium and of Ptolomy Anxanum Here at two several times in the year that is to say in the month of May and August do Merchants assemble almost from all parts of Europe Asia and from other parts where is a principal Mart or Fair very famous through all the world on the right hand of Lanciano at the foot of the Hill is Maiella and Palumbaro and on the right hand of the River Sangro near the Sea is the Monastery of St. Iohn where sometimes was the famous Temple of Venus and above are these Countries Fossaceca and the Fort of St. Iohn and a little higher on the side of Sangro are seen the great ruines of the City of Bica which the country people call Seca on the right hand cometh the River Aventino and joyneth with Sangro and near the foot of Maiella are these Countries Civitella and Lama and on the right hand of the River Aventino is Palena the word being corrupted in place of Peligno near the which appears the ruines of the ancient City sometimes the chief and head of the Piligni called Superequani This Country is ennobled with the dignity of a Count the Lord whereof is Matteo of Capoa Prince of Couca a very rich Lord and a great lover of Learning But returning behind Lanciano going along the shore of the sea we come to the mouth of the River Foro which riseth from the Mount Maiella where it entreth into the Sea near the which is the Castle Tollo and on the left side thereof near unto it is Miglionico and a little higher is Fara and before it is
many Villages well inhabited as Compotosto and Poggio which is a Castle and Massione on the left hand of Vomano and within the Country are situated these Castles Motola Monteverde and Montegualco and here endeth as Pliny saith the Precutini And following the same course we come to speak of the Marrucini which Livy saith caused themselves voluntarily to be enrolled among the Souldiers that went with Scipio into Africa Now then after the River Vomano comes another River called Piomba where is another Castle which is called Porto d'Adria and a little higher is a Country called Silva five miles within the Land and almost in the midst between the said two Rivers upon a high Hill is the City of Atri called in old time Hadria which was a Colony of the Romans Here was born as Celio the Spartan writeth the Roman Emperor Adrian P. Vittore believeth that the Adriaetick Sea had its name from this City the which also Sesto Aurelio affirms in his book of Cesars Above Atri or Hadria upon the right hand of the River Piomba is the Castle of Celino and above where this River springeth is the Country of Schiarano on the left side of Piomba two miles within the Land is Civita S. Angelo which Pliny and Ptolomy names Angolo above the said Country near the River is the little Country of Hece From Piomba three miles from the Sea is another River called Salino on the right hand whereof on the shore is a Castle called Porto S. Angelo and a little above within the Country entreth into Salino another River called Sino which floweth from the Apennine at the foot of the Hill Corvo on whose right side are eight Countries and Castles the which shall be named the one after the other Cassilento Montesicco Pignano Bisento Corvignano Serra and Valviano and a little below the mouth of the River Sino doth also run into Salino another River called Tavo which riseth near Corvo in the Apennine In the midst of these Rivers five miles distant from the Sea is Civita di Penna an excellent Country and very famous in old time Pliny calleth this City Pinna and placeth it among the Vestini Of this City was the most valiant young man Pluton of whom Valerius Maximus maketh mention but much more it is honoured for bringing forth that famous Lawyer called Luca of Penna who learnedly writ upon the three books of the Code wherein appears his great knowledg both in Divinity and the Law and particularly of the constitutions in the municipial Laws and customs of this Kingdom as he sheweth to be very judicious and skilfull in divers places and especially in Law-Causes de senten advers fiscum latis retractandis lib. 12. In the Rubrick C. de Magistris sacr scrinioruus lib. 12. where he teacheth the Office of a principal Secretary of the Kingdom And in the l. à palatinis C. de privilegiis corum qui in sacro palatio militant where very diffusedly he disputeth of one of the prinâ—ipal constitutions of the Kingdom alleadging Andrea of Isernia Prince of the Feudists All this I thought good to declare what a worthy man hath been of this City although otherwise modern writers have fasly christned him for a Frenchman defrauding his Country where at this present in the Hall of the publick Palace is to be seen his ancient Picture with the late named young Pluton and besides yet standeth his house where he dwelt Afterward not much distant from the River Tavo appears above the Hils the pleasant country of Laureto and the Hill Corvino Then cometh near upon the shore the mouth of the river Aterno now called Pescara which is one of the principal rivers of the country and near the Monastery of Casanova runneth into it another river which riseth on the right hand on the side of the Apennine called Nuria on whose right side are Montesilvano Spotorio Moscuso Pianello and Capogatto all Castles and under the fountain of the said river is the noble Monastery of Casanova of the Order of Cistello which is not only beautified with sumptuous buildings but with great riches Above Nuria on the right hand of Pescara are Rossano Alendo Petranico the Towers of Antonello and a little above is Castiglione And coming down from thence we incounter a river called Capod ' acqua who hath a very great spring and near the fountain is Offena and on the left hand is Busso between the which two Castles but two miles distant is Capistrano the natural place of the holy Iohn Capistrano of the Order of the Minors of St. Francis who in his life did many miracles Above Capistrano within the Land is Carapello and at the ascent of the Hils near to the river Pescara is Vetorito and Raiano and going but a few miles higher upon the ridg of a Hill is to be seen the ruinated City of Amiterno by Strabo named Amiternum whose magnificent buildings both of the Theatre and certain great Churches and mighty Towers declare what greatness it was in old time and Livy writeth that Spurio Cornelio Carvilio the Consul took Amiterno and there were cut in pieces 2800 Citizens and 4280 made prisoners and notwithstanding the same Livy addeth that L. Scipio going into Africa they voluntarily offered themselves to go with him in that action with the Umbri Norcini and the Reatini Amiterno is called by Virgil full of Towers There are to 〈◊〉 among the ruines of the said City graven in Marble the triumph of the Sannites when they caused the Roman Army to pass under the yoke at the Gallows of Caudine and the Sepulchre of the daughter of Druso and near to the Theatre is the Temple of Saturn the founder thereof This City had among other famous Citizens Caio Crispo Salustio Proconsul for Cesar in Africa and the first writer of the Roman History and the Bishop Vettorino who died for the faith of Christ as Ptolomy and Lippomano saith in the Empire of Nerva whose name remaineth in a Castle built 〈◊〉 the stones of those ancient ruines where are his bones and 83 Martyrs by whom the said City was destroyed I cannot yet understand Going from hence two miles 〈◊〉 Civita Tomassa a little Castle in whose circuit are to be seen many ruines of ancient buildings with many inscriptions which apparently shews that here was the ancient City of Foruli celebrated by Virgil in his seventh book of Eneid and of Silio Italico in his eight book and Strabo maketh also mention thereof and placeth it among the Sabines And following that way about three miles there are to be seen great foundations of square stones which the country-people call Furconio whereupon it is not to be doubted that there stood the City of Furconio the which was not so ancient nor populous nor so rich as Amiterno but of greater dignity and honour in the time of the Christians for in all the Councels for the space of
enjoyned to pay together with some other moiety which he hath But if the number of Families be so many that the payment of every family at the aforesaid rate of five carlins exceed the moity of the contribution which belongs to the University then that overplus which groweth is to be divided among the Families to the end that the only moity which belongs to the aid and help of the Baron may be received Of which Afflitto doth very largely discourse in cap. Caroli 2. which begins Comites Barones sub rubr de subven Vassall The which help of Vassals was thus devided by Charls the second as it is noted in the said Chapter Comites Barones feudatarii sub rubr de subven Vassal Afterward the Kingdom came into the Jurisdiction of Ferdinando the Catholick King who understanding the many contentions and strifes which were in the Kingdome between the Barons and Vassals for the payment of this Imposition of the Adogo to settle things in order appointed that all the Barons and feudists with their revenue should be noted and that all the Cities and Countries and Families of the Kingdom should be newly numbred and ordained that the helps of the moity of the taxations which the vassals paid to the feudists by reason of the Kings service should be no more received by the feudists but by the Kings Treasurers and Officers The sum at this present did amount which was paid every year by the feudists into the Kings Exchequer to 75616 duckets and as many more were received of the vassals But the whole intire Adogo which every Province paid wherein the Barons and feudists of the Kingdom were taxed appears here under-written The Country of Lavoro duckets 18346 The County of Molise duckets 3152 The Principality on this side duckets 12489 The Principality on the other side duckets 10348 Basilicata duckets 14671 Calauria on this side duckets 6962 Calauria on the other side duckets 7317 The Country of Otranto duckets 13495 The Country of Bary duckets 8â—42 Abruzzo on this side duckets 7280 Abruzzo on the other side duckets 8651 Capitanata duckets 9669 The sum of the duckets 12056 When it hapneth in the Kingdom to bestow a Donative upon the King the Barons use to examin what every one of them holds deviding the payment by the rate which they pay of the Adogo the which Adogo as we have said which at this present is present is paid is 52 duckets â— 10 for the hundred if the fee consist in vassals but being without vassals he payeth for his Adogo 26 duckets and a quarter which is the moity of the whole fee but if the Baron possesseth a fee that is disinhabited he payeth for the Taxation of the Adogo 30 duckets for a hundred And it is also to be understood that when the Baron or Feudist dieth the heir of the dead doth not pay for the first year the Adogo into the Kings Exchequer but the year ended after the death of the said Baron the heir payeth his Livery which payment is half the revenue which the Baron hath by the year and if it so fall out that the heir do not reveal the death of the Baron the year being past he forfeits nine times the value which the Livery of the Baron importeth therefore when the Livery is paid all the Countries and debts are levied which the dead Baron is found to have The Cities also and Lands of Demains pay the Livery to the King every fifteen year even as at the death of a Baron Thus have I briefly declared the ordinary Impositions which the Families and Feudists of the Kingdom pay Now remain eth to declare the extraordinary payments which every Family paieth yearly into the Kings Exchequer First of all every Family payeth four grains the which payment is received every month This Imposition was made by Don Pietro of Toledo Viceroy of the Kingdom the second of May 1542. the which first imposed three grains upon the Spanish Footmen to pay and appointed the said payment to be received every fourth month as it appears by a Letter of the said Don Pietro inserted in the Letters of the Kings Chamber under the date of the 22. of May 1542. In the year after 1544. in the month of September the said Imposition was increased to four grains as it is expressed in a Letter of the said Viceroy inclosed in a Commission of the Kings Chamber dated the third of September 1544. At the last in the year 1566. Don Perasenno de Rivera Duke of Alcala ordained that the said Imposition should be received of all the Families of the Kingdom according to the former Order thâ— which even at this present is received The Imposition levied on the free Companies the which pay no other Impositions then above written containeth yearly for the number of ordinary Families 215216 duckets six carlins and six grains and for extraordinary Families 1019 duckets and 8 carlins the which sum joyned together are 216236 duckets 4 carlins 6 grains There is also an Imposition paid for the wages of the Barigelli of the fields which are those that guard and keep the high-wayes and goe against Outlaws This Imposition was made by Don Pietro of Tolledo the third of August in the year 1550. only in the Provinces of the Principality on this side and the other and the County of Molise Capatanata and Basilicata to avoid the robberies which were daily committed for which cause were appointed the Universities to pay all those losses which were there committed It was afterward ordained that the said Imposition should be gathered of all the Provinces except the Land of Lavero but for the service which the said Barricelli did in that Province they should be payed out of the Kings Exchequer The said Imposition was received of every Province diversly the which we have declared in their places This Imposition riseth to 18506 duckets seven carlins and two grains yearly There is another Imposition which is paid for the guard and defence of the Towers and Castles the which Imposition was instituted by Don Perasanno de Rivera Duke of Ascala to the end the Kingdom might be secure from Rovers by the which imposition all the whole Kingdom payed for every Family seven grains and the twelfth part of a grain But the Countries which were distant twelve miles from the Sea payed the half of the said payment the which amounted to 25348 duckets yearly There was likewise gathered of the Universities the payment for the building of the Castles when they were builded and there was received according to the payment which they paid for the guard of the said Castles And because at this present there are not any Castles builded in the Kingdom therefore that payment is no longâ—r continued There was also gathered another Imposition of three grains of every Family of the Kingdom for the repairing of the streets and high-waies of the Kingdom This Imposition was instituted by the Duke of
would amount to the sum of three Adogoes but yet not by way of an Adogo but as a free donative according to the taxation which at this present is to be seen in the Royal Chamber of the Summaria and the remainder was appointed that the people Cities Countries and Castles of the kingdom should pay Of which donative fifty thousand duckets were levied in a year and the Barons payed thereof one Adogo but for the contribution of the million which was agreed to be paid in five years the two Adogos were not paid and the people discharged the rest The Emperor seeing the great affection which the kingdom did bear unto him purposing in some measure to remunerate their good will towards him granted both to the Kingdom and Cities many priviledges In the year 1538. and the 27 day of March according to the accustomed order was held a publick Parlament in St. Laurence where was decreed that there should be given to the Emperor a donative of 360 thousand duckets and that of it the Barons should pay so much as did amount to the quantity of half an Adogo not by way of an Adogo but as a simple donative and the remainder to the complement of the said sum the people should pay The which donative was levied and paid in five thirds and the City of Naples was exempted and the Lands of the venerable Church and Hospital of the Annuntiation In the year 1539. the 15 of March was held a publick Parlament according to the accustomed manner in St. Laurence and was concluded that in regard of the Occurrences which the Emperor had to pay his Army should be given him a donative of 260 thousand duckets with condition that the Barons part should be so much as would amount to half an Adogo not by the way of an Adogo but as a free donative and the rest the people Cities Countries and Castles of the Kingdom should pay The said donative was received in three thirds and payd In the year 1540. the 27 of November was held according to the usual manner a publick Parlament in St. Laurence where was agreed that it were requisite to sustain and succour the great necessity and charge which the King was at for the defence and security of the kingdom but the kingdom being greatly exhausted there should be given a donative of the quarter of an Adogo but not by way of an Adogo but as a simple donative and the Cities Countries and Castles should pay 16 grains for a Family In the year 1541. the 29 of Iuly was held according unto the accustomed manner a publick Parliament in St. Laurence wherein seeing the necessity of the King and the great preparation of the Turk to invade the Kingdom to the end souldiers may be entertained and also to fortifie and provide that the Cities and Countries may be able to resist the said invasion it was concluded that there should be given a donative to the Emperor of 800 thousand duckets of which the Barons paid an Adogo and a half yet not as an Adogo but as a simple and free donative and the remnant the people of the Kingdom paid In the year 1543 was held according to the accustomed order a publick Parlament in St. Laurence wherein was agreed that a donative should be given to the Emperor of a hundred and fifty thousand duckets and fifty thousand more to make the compleat sum of 200 thousand and it was ordained that it should be given by reason of the want of money In the year 1545. was held according to the usual manner a publick Parlament in St. Laurence wherein was decreed that to the Emperor should be given a donative of 600 thousand duckets to pay the Spanish Footmen the repairing of the Streets and Lakes In the year 1546. was held according to the accustomed order a publick Parlament in St. Laurence wherein was concluded that to his Catholick Majesty should be given a donative of 240 thousand Duckets In the year 1548. was held according to the ordinary manner a publick Parlament in St. Laurence wherein was decreed that for the marriage of the Lady Mary of Austria the Emperours daughter should be imposed five carlins on a Family the which sum importeth a hundred and fifty thousand duckets In the year 1549. was held according to the accustomed manner in St. Laurence a publick Parlament wherein was decreed that there should be given to his Majesty a donative of 600 thousand duckets of which donative the Barons paid 200 thousand duckets and the rest the people of the Kingdom In the year 1552. was held according to the wonted manner a publick Parlament in St. Laurence wherein was concluded that there should be given unto his Majesty a donative of 800 thousand duckets and 22 thousand duckets was granted which was given unto the Viceroy because he was a great favourer of the Kingdom with his Majesty In the year 1553. was held according to the accustomed manner a general publick Parlament in St. Laurence wherein was decreed that there should be given to his Majesty a donative of 30 thousand duckets In the year 1554. was held according to the accustomed order a general publick Parlament in St. Laurence where was concluded that there should be given to his Majesty for the payment of his Army 30 thousand duckets In the year 1555. was held according to the wonted manner a publick Parlament in St. Laurence where was decreed that there should be given to his Majesty a hundred and six and fifty thousand duckets to pay the Companies In the year 1556. was held according to the accustomed manner a publick Parlament in St. Laurence where was concluded that there should be given to his Majesty 400000 duckets The which sum of money was devided in this manner that is to say the City of Naples should pay 1000 duckets and the Barons 225000 duckets and the rest the people should pay In the year 1557. was held according to the usual manner a general publick Parlament in St. Laurence where was concluded that for the great necessity which his Majesty had to pay the Spanish Footmen and the Dutch Companies there was granted unto him a hundred thousand duckets and this payment was devided between the Barons and the people of the Kingdom In the year 1558. was held a general Parlament in St. Laurence where was decreed that there should be given to the King a million of gold and 25 thousand duckets to the Viceroy of the Kingdom and besides nine thousand and two hundred duckets to Signor Marc. Antonio Colonna the which donatives were paid by the Barons and the people of the Kingdom In the year 1560. was held a publick and general Parlament in St. Laurence where was concluded that to the Kings Majesty should be given a million and 200 thousand duckets and to the excellency of the Viceroy of the Kingdom 27 thousand and five hundred duckets the which sum of money the Barons and people of the Kingdom paid In
came with a great Army into the Kingdom and was received with great joy and honour by Manfred in Barletta of Apuglia and being informed that Naples Capoa Aquino and the whole Abby of St. Germano were become Rebels through the instigation of the Earl of Caserta and dinoted to the Church conceived thereat so great indignation and ire that with his Army he wasted and overrun the Country and made Tomaso Earl of Cerra to come and submit himself to his mercy and had by agreâ—ment St. Germano and all the State of the Earl of Caserta He afterward besieged Capoa and having spoiled and destroyed all the Country took the City and threw the Walls thereof to the ground he did the like to Aquino the which he sacked and burned Afterward he besieged Naples both by Sea and Land and after eight months had it by agreement but they not observing their Covenants he caused afterward the Walls to be ruinated and the Fortresses of the City and many Noble houses of Gentlemen and Citizens he banished Conrado having Naples at the same instant had the rest of the Kingdom He now remaining in peaceable state and given to his pleasures being inhumane and of a cruel nature caused Henry his Nephew to be slain upon the high-way the son of Henry King of the Romans which was come from Sicilia to visit him But that revenge was not long delayed for Manfred his natural brother which endeavoured by all means to become King with a poysoned potion upon a light occasion kil'd him which was in the year 1254. and the 3 of Iune having held the Empire 3 years and 5 months and the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia 2 years and 19 daies His body was buried in the principal Church of Naples under a little narrow Marble stone Conrado before his death made his Will and ordained his youngest son his heir general born of Elizabeth the daughter of Otho Duke of Bavaria Manfred the 8 King of Naples MANFRED Prince of Taranto the natural son of the Emperor Frederick the second having usurped the Kingdom was by Pope Alexander the fourth excommunicated The said Pope died within a while after and Pope Vrban the fourth a Frenchman was created in his place who fearing the threatnings of Manfred called unto the conquest of the Kingdom Charls of Angio Earl of Province brother of St. Lewis the 9 King of France to whom he gave the oath of both the Sicilies with the right and title of the Kingdom of Ierusalem and at his own charge should maintain the War and conquer it Charls being animated by his brother and others of the Nobility with a valorus courage undertook this famous enterprise In the mean time Vrban died leaving the Papacy to Clement the 4. in whose Popedom Charls with a most glorious Army came to Rome in the year 1265. and was then with Beatrice Berenguer of Aragon his wife in the Church of S. Iohn Lateran by Pope Clement again invested with solemn ceremony and Crowned with an Imperial Crown King of both the Sicilies and of the Kingdom of Ierusalem and made exempt from the Empire with Covenant that neither he nor his successors that should be chosen Emperors should by any means accept thereof the which was done with solemn oath and so Charls was made a Liegeman and Feudary of the Church and promised to pay for tribute a yearly Rent of 40 thousand markâ— to the Bishops of Rome Charls towards the end of February in the year 1265. came into the Kingdom and incountred with Manfred and after divers fortunes both on the one and the other side Charls remained conqueror and Manfred was overcome Manfred reigned 10 years 4 months and 16 daies ANGIOINI Charls of Angio the 9 King of Naples CHARLS remaining Conqueror was received by the Neopolitans with royal pomp and proclaimed King and having ordered the affairs of both the Kingdoms was made by Clement the 4. Deputy of the Empire of Italy Understanding afterward that Corradine the Suevian the son of the Emperor Conrado sometime King of Naples was come with a mighty Army to recover the right of inheritance of his Kingdoms made great preparation of War Corradine entreth the Kingdom and after divers and sundry skirmishes at length Corradine was overcome and flying disguised was taken in Asturi by Iohn Francipane Lord of that place which sent him to Charls who after he had kept him more then a year in prison caused him to be beheaded in the midst of the Market-place of Naples which was in the month of October 1269. and so Charls with little labour recovered all the Kingdom He made afterward great Wars with the Saracins and especially with Arageno King of Tunis because that barbarous King refused to pay the Tribute which was accustomed to be paid to the Kings of Naples Charls did in such wise afflict him that he inforced him not only to pay the charges of that War but also doubled the Tribute In the year following 1276. Vgone Lusignano the 11 of this name King of Cypress and Mary the daughter of Melisenda and of Raimond Rupini Prince of Antiochia contending about the inheritance of the Kingdom of Ierusalem Mary being at variance with Vgone came to Rome and caused the said King Vgone to be convented before the Pope the Pope by his decree commanded that the examination and decision of the cause should be determined by the Barons of the Holy Land and the Master of the Hospital and the Temple who were accustomed to have a voice in Councel in the election of the Kings of Ierusalem The which the Princess Mary considering being a woman very aged faint and wearied with travel and the dangers of so long a journey being advised by her friends and by Pietro Manso knight of the Temple his Ambassador compounded with King Charls and receiving of him a great sum of money resigned all her right and Title which she had unto the said Kingdom Whereupon Charls afterward by means of the Pope obtained a favourable sentence and was declared lawfull and absolute King of that Kingdom as well by the ancient right of Fâ—ederick as also by that of Mary Charls afterward for the more security of things sent the Earl Ruggiero Sanseverino Governor into Soria who in the name of Charls received the faith and oathes of homage of the Knights and Barons which were in the kingdom By these aforesaid reasons all the posterity of the said Charls and also all the other Kings of Naples as heirs are always intitled Kings of Ierusalem Charls reigned 19 years 2 moneths and 26 days Charls the second 10 King of Naples CHarls the second son of Charls of Angio reigned 25 years and 17 days Charls was also King of Hungary by the right of Mary his wife the daughter of Stephen the 5. of the name the King of that kingdom who being slain by the Cumani Ladislao the fourth son of the aforesaid
Instruments of a King XXX The late Kings Declaration in Latine French and English XXXI Bella Scoto-Anglica or the Traverses of War twixt England and Scotland XXXII Mercurius Hybernicus XXXIII The Process and pleadings in the Court of Spain for the death of Mr. Ascham in Fol. Three of all which Books are Translations the rest his own Compositions Vfent is a River near the City of Ansure now called Terracina for the roughness thereof It was builded by Ansurus the son of Iupiter The Provinces of the Kingdom of Naples See Virgil in the end of the fifth Book of Aeneidâ—s where he saith Iamque adeo scopulos syrenum c. The Isles of Diomedes called by Cornelius Tacitus in his 4 book Trimerus The praise of the Kingdom Men and women endued with divers Sciences St. Thomas Aquinus see lib. of Metheora Turia is a Country of Calauria anciently called Metaâ—tos Marinus florished in the time of the Emperor Hadrian and writ many questions of Philosophy as Suida noteth See Stasius in the end of his 3 Book to Claudia The length and breadth of the Land of Lavoro Campania Felix why it was so called The nature of the Land of Lavoro Trees flourish twice a year in this Province The great plenty both of fowls and wild beasts in the Land of Lavoro The fishes which the Sea of this Province bringeth forth Mines and Baths Of the Wine Oyle and living creatures which are in this Province See Plutarch The praise of this Province The excellent Conserve of Naples The nature condition of the people of this Province Fondi Pliny lib. 14. cap 6. The Lake Fondano Mamurry Gaeta Galasius second Bishop of Rome Mola Formia The Village of Scipio and Lelius See Martial lib. x. epigâ—a The Castle Honoratus Horace lib. pr. The River Garigliano The overthrow given to the Saracins by Pope Iohn the 10. Consalvus Ferrandus grand Captain of Cordova Tratetto Minturne The Land of Lavoro Garigliano Trifano Sinope called Sinuessa Turpillus the Comical Poet. The Hill Massico The Fort of Mondragone The Villages of Sessa The City Sessa Why it was called Sessa Augustine Nifo Carinola The Fields Falerni what they were and how far they stretched The Fields Stellato Calvi Cajazza Tiano Caianello Vulturno Patria Of the Fountain Acidula and the property thereof The City Cuma The Town of Servilio Vacia Miseno Trumpeter of Aeneas Bana the Lake Averno and Pizzolo why they were so named Soffatara The Hil Asturno Listroni The Village of Cicero where the Emperor Adrian was buried Hot-Houses The soul of Pascasio Cardinal See also Iohn â—â—kiâ— in his 2 book of Purgatory Pausilipo a most delightfull place which according to Dion was possessed by Vedio Pollione a Roman a man famous for no other cause then his wealth and cruelty because in that place he had certain Fish-ponds wherein he used often times to cast in men as food for his fishes and dying leâ—t Augustus his heir of Pausilipo Virgil his Sepulchre Chiaia Giacomo Sanazaro The Castle of Vovo Naples alwaies faithful to the people of Rome The praise of the City of Naples The Gulf Cratera The Arms of the City of Naples The Tower of Greece and of Nuntiata The Hill Somma casteth out fire The death of Pliny The Wholsome House a most delightsome place builded by King Charls the second The City Massa The Temple of Minerva The Isle of Sirenuse see Virgil in the end of his 5 Book of Eneâ—dos now these Islands are called under one name Gallo where is the Isle of Capri. Procita why it was so called Dyonisius of Alicarnaseo in the first of the Histories of Rome Iohn of Procicla Author of the Sicilian Evening Ieronimo Zurita in the History of Arragon The Family of Procita in Catalogna The Isle Ischia Of the Giant Tipheo the Poets speak diversly for Virgil in the 9 of Aeneidos saith that here he was strucken with lightning by Iupiter in the which opinion agreeth Lucan but Ovid saith it wâ—s in Sicilia Alfonsus King of Arragon and Naple was of the House of Medina so saith Laonico Calcondile Athenian in the History of the Turks in his fift Book Gironda an ancient City of the Isle Bartholmew Perdice Genoway The Book of the Antiquities of Pozzuolo written by the Author of this Work The body of St. Restituta Virgin The Isle Nisita why it was so called Gaiola why â—t was so called The City Capoa Capoa destroyed The Sepulchre of Capi the builder of Capoa Capoa destroyed by Genserico King of the Vandals Capoa newly builed The Lombards destroy Capoa Capoa re-edified Conradus King of Naples cast the Walls of Capoa to the grâ—und Capoa sacked by the French The Land of Lavoro why it was so called F. L. Sosipatro Charisso Vittore Bishop Peter of Vineis Iohn Antonio Campano The City Atella The City Aversa by whom it was built Aversa destroyed by Charls of Angio King of Naples Don Pietro Orsino The famous men of Aversa Marigliano The City Acerra why it was built Acerrr why it was so called The Temple of Iupiter Feretrio Propertio in 4. The river Glanio and the originall thereof Sessula The river Isclero Aierola The City Caserta by whom it was built Lonardo Santoro Mataloni Venafro The City Sora. The Sorani cut in pieces the Roman Colonies The Romans take Sora. The Romans send another Colony to Sora. Sora destroyed by the Emperor Frederick the second The River Fibreno and the beginning thereof The River Liris now called Garigliano An Island a most beautiful Country called by the Ancients Interamnia Comino a pleasant Country was â—o called by an ancient City of the same name The City Atina The River Melfa The City Arpino The Arms of Arpino The City Arce The City Aquino Giovenal a Satyrical Poet. Victorino a Geometrician Pescenio Negro Emperor St. Thomas of Aquin. Gio Menardo in the 6 book of epistles in the 5 epistle Adinolfo Count of Aquino and Duke of Gaeta Monte Casino Totila King of Goths Paulo Diacono in his 6 book of histories The City Theano The City Calvi The City Lauro by whom it was built Palma The Plain of Palma The City Nola. The death of the Emperor Octavius Augustus Flora and her Riches The Temple of Flora. St. Felix Bishop St. Paulino the Inventer of Bels. The Arms of Nola. The first Counts of Nola Romano Orsino was the first of that Family that had Lordship in the Kingdom Wherefore the Rose was adjoyned to Arms of the House of Orsina Iohn Antonio Orsino Prince of Tarento Counts of Nola. The names of the Noble Families of Nola. The Arms of this Province of Lavoro Arechi Duke of Benevento in the year 755. The Confines of the Picentini Where the Picentini dwelt Why the Picentini were driven away by the Romans The City Picentia Sundry opinions of the Picentini The fertility of the Province Noceria Sanseverino The water of Mela. Cava and the beginning thereof in the year 910. Adalferio
have been many learned as Bartholmew of Donato which writ a discourse de Corporeitatis Luca Prassitio which subtilly and wittily writ ten Disputations against Augustine Nifo of Sessa very learned are these Treatises De immortalitate animae and de prestantia literarum supra arma wherein he exprest great learning and in these daies together with these the reverend Father Alfonso of Marco of the reformed Order of Preachers who for his good and examplary life shineth as the Sun in darkness he hath learnedly writ upon Logick natural Philosophy the soul Metaphysick and de ente rationis and he is now commenting the same of St. Thomas and if God permit him life we may expect other learned Works to proceed from him In the aforesaid City are these Noble Families Altimaro Cutinario Gargano Grimaldo Landulfo Pacifio Scaglione Silvestro Simonello Tufo Ricardo Della Valle and others Not far from Aversa is Marigliano in a good Soil and is wholly walled about and by the Ancients called Merlianum and Marianum the Citizens whereof say that it was so called by C. Marius the Founder thereof and it is now indued with the dignity of a Marquiss under the jurisdiction of the House of Montenegro Innocentius the third Bishop of Rome hath much honoured this Land being born there and at this present R. D. Iacobo Marotta a learned Philosopher who hath written upon the predicables and predicaments of the Logick of Scotus de triplici intellectu Humane Angelical and Divine and read in the common Schools of Naples the Metaphisicks with a wonderfull concourse of Students Afterward appeareth the City Acerra called by Strabo Acerrae which was burnt by Hannibal the Carthaginian But was again newly re-edified by the Romans whereof Livy often maketh mention and Virgil calleth the Territory thereof very good and fertile Near to which City runneth the River Glanio very hurtfull to the Country through the continual inundations and therefore is almost disinhabited Acerra was builded by the people Nasamoni who in honour of Iupiter Feretrio made a high Altar after the fashion of a little Ship whereupon they burnt great abundance of sweet Odours wherefore it was called Acerra by the Nasamoni which opinion Alexander of Alexandro Neopolitan confirmeth in the 7 Chapter of his third Book speaking of their Gemali Acerra erat ara constituta ubi odores incenderet quae acerra dicta erat à Nasamonibus populis Some are of opinion that an Altar so called was only devised by the Nasamoni but that Numa Pompilius erected the Temple of Iupiter Feretrio Festo believeth that Feretrio was so called by bringing of peace although Plutarch saith that he should be so named by the wounding of enemies whereupon Propertio writeth a learned Elegy of Iupiter Feretrio thus Nunc Iovis incipiam causas aperire Feretrii Armaque de ducibus trima recepta tribus To which Temple the Ancients when they obtained victory of their enemies consecrated all their best and richest spoils Departing from Acerra is the River Glanio which springeth from the Hill above Sessua by ancient Writers named Clanius whereof Virgil maketh mention in two of his Georgicks thus Talem dives arat Capua vicina Vesevo Ora jugo vacuis Clanius non aequus Acerris Probus writeth that the River Clanio took that name from the Giant Clanio Afterward is seen Sessula distant from Acerra four miles called by Strabo Suessula and by Livy in many places and in his seventh Book sheweth that in this City was a great battel between the Romans and the Samnites where the Samnites were put to flight by M. Valer. This City is almost now ruinated Afterward appeareth from the North part the Hils of Capoa called by Livy Tifata these Hils are above Capoa and above all this Country the which pass along even to the Territory of Nola. Afterward is the River Isclero and the River Sorritello and not far off upon a fair Hill is the Aierola an excellent Country honoured with the dignity of a Dukedom under the Family Caracciola From Aierola five miles is in a fair Plain Arienzo a Country full of worthy and honourable people called of the Latines Argentum the Territory whereof is very fertile and full of Fruit and especially of Percope where they grow more common in this Country then any other verily these fruits are to be preferred before all others for their delicacy and great goodness these said Trees live not above five years and it is necessary that the seeds or carnels thereof be sowed towards the East in a place where the cold cannot hurt them for cold is a great enemy to these Trees the Fruit thereof is of the colour of Gold with red spots and a slender rine and weighs a pound and more according to the place where they be planted Not far off upon a steep and pleasant little Hill is the City of Caserta replenished with worthy and honourable people the original whereof is uncertain the Citizens of it affirm by ancient tradition that it was builded by the Sessulani and Galatini others believe from the reliques of the second Capoa in the Hill Trifisco and last of all others say that it should be builded by the Longobards and was made a Cathedral Church by Alexander the fourth Bishop of Rome The Lords of Aquino ruled this City a long time afterward it came under the Counts of Tilesia of the Noble Family Siginulfa and lastly Giulio Antonio Acquaniva a noble Lord possest it with the Title of a Prince The noble Family of Santori hath much honoured this City of which that excellent Doctor of Law Lonardo hath been much renowned who left to the world a worthy and honourable issue from whom descended the famous and reverend Giulio Antonio Santoro Cardinal of the Church of Rome and Francesco Antonio Archbishop of Severin◠his brother men no less famous for Learning then for sincerity of life Going a little farther is Mataloni of some called Magdaloni and of others Metalionis which hath the dignity of a Dukedome subject to the noble Family of Carrafi Near which upon a Hill is the fair City of Venafro named by Strabo Venafrum the Plain whereof Pliny calleth fertile and full of Olives whereupon Martial praising the Oyle saith Hoc tibi Campani sudavit bacca Venafri Vnguentum quoties sumis istud oles This City in the time of our Ancestors had the Title of a County under the Pandoni Gentlemen of Naples after the which it came under the Dominion of the worthy Lords of Lanoia Princes of Sulmona but now it is in the Kings hands Going a little farther is the noble ancient City of Sora so called both now and in old time which in the time of the Romans was the principal City of all Sannio Pliny placeth it in the first Region and Ptolomy in Latium and Strabo describeth it in happy Campania We following the