Arkiko, Arkoko, Or Erkoko, By Some Erroneously Called
Erocco, And By De L'Isle, Arcua.
In the edition of this journal by
Purchas it is called Arquito.
- Ast.]
[Footnote 279: These are no proofs that Massua is on the spot formerly
occupied by Ptolomaida; for the whole coast of Abyssinia is full of wild
beasts, and since Ptolomy fixed the latitude solely by computed
distances, it is next to impossible that these should exactly agree with
real observations. - Ast.]
SECTION IV.
Digression respecting the History, Customs, and State of Abyssinia.
Presbyter or Prester John, otherwise called Prete Jani, who is the
king or emperor of the Abyssinians, is lord of all the land called
anciently Ethiopia sub Egypto[280], or Lower Ethiopia; which is one of
the most extensive dominions we know of in the world. This empire begins
at Cape Guardafu, called anciently Aromata, whence running along the
Red Sea, with desert and not very crooked coasts, it reaches to the
boundaries of the rich city of Swakem. On the north side it borders on
the warlike people of the Nubys, Nuba, or Nubians, who intervene
between Abyssinia and the Theabaid or Upper Egypt. From thence it
reaches a great way inland to the kingdom of Manicongo, including part
of Lybia Inferior, and other interior parts of Africa towards the
west; whence turning behind the springs and lakes of the Nile through
burning and unknown regions, it endeth in the south upon the Barbarian
Gulf, now known to the Portuguese who navigate that gulf, as the coasts
of Melinda and Magadoxa.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 489 of 809
Words from 133223 to 133483
of 221361
