History and present condition of the Barbary States: comprehending a view of their civil institutions, antiquities, arts, religion, literature, commerce, agriculture, and natural productions

Front matter

BARBARY STATES.

OLIVER & BOYD, EDINBURGH.

HISTORY

Preface

This Volume completes the plan,, originally formed by the Publishers of the Edinburgh Cabinet Library, for illustrating the History, the Antiquities, and the Present Condition of Africa.

In the first instance, they drew the attention of their readers to the progress of Discovery in that vast continent ; describing the natural features of its several kingdoms, the social state of its people, and thereby bringing into one view all that appeared valuable in the observations of those travellers, whether in ancient or modern times, who have sought to explore the remote recesses of its interior. They next made it their endeavour to collect, within a narrow compass, all that is known respecting Egypt, Nubia, and Abyssinia, — those countries so full of interest to the scholar and the antiquary, and which are universally acknowledged to have been the cradle of the arts, so far as the elements of these were communicated to the inhabitants of Europe.

The Work now presented to the Public has for its object an historical outline of those remarkable provinces which stretch along the southern shores of the Mediterranean, during the successive periods when they were occupied by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Arabs, and the Moors ; as well as a delineation of their condition since they acknowledged the dominion of the Porte.

PREFACE.

No one who has read the annals of Carthage can be ignorant of the importance once attached to this singular country; in which was first exhibited to the eye of European nations the immense political power that may be derived from an improved agriculture,, an active commerce, and the command of the sea. In the plains of Tunis,, too, were fought those battles which confirmed the ascendency of Rome, and laid the foundations of that colossal empire, whose territory extended from the Danube to the Atlas Mountains, and from the German Ocean to the banks of the Euphrates. The gigantic conflict between the two greatest republics of the ancient world was at length determined among the burning sands of Numidia, or on those shores, w 7 hich, for many centuries, have been strangers to the civilisation and arts diffused around their camps by these mighty rivals for universal sovereignty.

Nor are the kingdoms of Northern Africa less interesting in an ecclesiastical point of view. The names of Tertullian,, Cyprian, and Augustin, reflect honour on the churches of that land ; and their works are still esteemed as part of those authentic records whence the divine derives his knowledge of the doctrines, the usages, and institutions of primitive Christianity. With relation to the same object, the inroad of the schismatical Vandals, and the conquest effected by the Arabs, present subjects worthy of the deepest reflection, inasmuch as they led to the gradual deterioration of the orthodox faith, till it was entirely superseded by the imposture of Mohammed. On these heads the reader will find some important details in the Chapter on the Religion and Literature of the Barbarv States.

PREFACE.

The writings of recent travellers have thrown a fascinating light over some parts of the ancient Cyrenaica, — a section of the Tripoline territory, which, having enjoyed the benefit of Grecian learning at an early period, still displays the remains of architectural skill and elegance, borrowed from the inhabitants of Athens and Sparta. The position of the several towns composing the celebrated Pentapolis, the beauty of the landscape, the fertility of the soil, and the magnificence of the principal edifices, have been, in the course of a few years, not only illustrated with much talent, but ascertained with a degree of accuracy that removes all reasonable doubt. The conjectures of Bruce are confirmed, or refuted, by the actual delineations of Beechey and Delia Cella.

The modern history of Barbary is chiefly interesting from the relations which so long subsisted between its rulers and the maritime states of Europe, who, in order to protect their commerce from violence, and their subjects from captivity, found it occasionally expedient to enter into treaty with th^ lieutenants of the Ottoman government. The wars which, from time to time, were waged against the rovers of Tunis, Sallee, and Algiers, from the days of the Emperor Charles the Fifth down to the late invasion by the French, are full of incident and adventure ; presenting, in the most vivid colours, the triumph of educated man over the rude strength of the barbarian, coupled with the inefficacy of all negotiation which rested on national faith or honour. The records of piracy, which, not many years ago, filled the whole of Christendom with terror and indignation, may now be perused with feelings of com-

PREFACE.

placency, arising from the conviction that the power of the marauders has been broken, and their ravages finally checked. Algiers, after striking its flag to the fleets of Britain, was compelled to obey the soldiers of France, — an event that may be said to constitute a new era in the policy of the floors, and seems to hold forth a prospect, however indistinct, of civilisation, industry, and the dominion of law over brutal force and passion, being again established throughout the fine provinces which extend from Cape Spartel to the Gulf of Bomba.

The Chapter on the Commerce of the Barbary States indicates, at least, the sources of wealth which, under an enlightened rule, might be rendered available, not only for the advantage of the natives, but also of the trading communities on the opposite shores of the Mediterranean. Every where, in the soil, in the climate, and in the situation of the country, are seen scattered, with a liberal hand, the elements of prosperity; and it is manifest that the plains, which were once esteemed the granary of Rome, might again, with the aid of modern science, be rendered extremely productive in the luxuries, as well as the necessaries, of human life.

The assiduity of French writers, since the conquest of Algiers, has afforded the means of becoming better acquainted than formerly with the geology of Northern Africa, as well as with several other branches of Xatural History. From the same source have been derived materials for the embellishments introduced into this volume, and also for improving the Map, which the reader will find prefixed. Edinburgh, March 16. 1835.

Chapter I. Ancient History

Contrast between the present and ancient Condition of the Barbary States — View of ancient Manners — Remains of former Magnificence — Revolutions in that Country at once sudden and entire — Countries comprehended in Barbary — Division, according to Herodotus — Origin of the Term Barbary — Opinion of Leo Africanus — Emigrants from Asia and Arabia — Monuments which denote an Eastern People — Colonies from Tyre — Foundation of Carthage — Supposed Extent of her Territory — Remark of Polybius — Carthaginians encouraged Agriculture — Various Tribes subject to Carthage, or in Alliance with her — The History of Carthage for a long Time includes that of all the Barbary States — First Attempt on Sicily and Sardinia — Ambitious Views of the Carthaginians — Provoke the Resentment of Alexander the Great — First Punic War — Carthage besieged — Second Punic War — Character of Hannibal — Scipio invades the Carthaginian Territory — Hannibal recalled — Is defeated at Zama — Third Punic War — Fall of Carthage — History of Jugurtha — Subdued by the Romans — Marks and Sylla— Pompey and Caesar — Conclusion^ Page 17

Chapter II

CONSTITUTION, COMMERCE, AND NAVIGATION OF THE PHCENICIAN COLONIES ON THE COAST OF BARBARY.

Independence of the federated Towns, Utica, Leptis, &c. — Predominance of Carthage — Constancy of her Government — Its Progress described — Originally a Monarchy, but gradually became aristocratical — House of Mago — Rights of the People exercised in public Assemblies — And in the Election of Magistrates — Decided in all Questions in which the Kings and Senate could not agree — Constitution and Power of the Senate — The select Council — The Kings or Suffetes — Distinction between the King and a General — Some Resemblance to Roman Consuls and Hebrew Judges — Wise Administration of Justice — No judicial Assemblies of the People — Basis of Power occupied by the Senate —

]0

CONTEXTS.

Trade and Commerce of Carthage— Inherited from the Phoenicians — Her Position favourable — Engrossed the Trade of Africa and Southern Europe — Opposed by the Greeks at Marseilles— Her Intercourse with Sicily, Sardinia. Malta, and the Balearic Isles — The Mines of Spain attract her Notice — Carthaginian Dealers penetrate into Gaul — Colonies in the Atlantic— The western Coasts of Spain — Voyages to Britain and the Tin Islands — Poem of Festus Avienus — Trade in Amber — Question whether the Carthaginians ever entered the Baltic — Voyage of Hanno towards the South — Colonies planted on the western Coast of Africa— The Towns built in that Quarter— The Carthaginians discovered Madeira — The Date at which the Expeditions of Hanno and Hamilco took Place— Proofs that Carthage must have attained great Power and Civilisation — Her Libraries — Agriculture — Splendid Villas — Rich Meadows and Gardens — Her extensive Land-trade across the Desert — Her warlike Propensities — Causes of her Decline and Fall, Page 57

Chapter III. Modern History Of The Barb Art States

Time when the Barbary States assumed an independent Existence — The Libyans first inhabited Northern Africa — Influence of Phoenician Colonies — Ancient and Modern Divisions of the Country — Extent of Roman Conquests — Revival of Carthage — Rebuilt from its own Ruins — Site and Description of it — Remains of former Magnificence — Mercenary Conduct of Romanus, Count of Africa — Sufferings of the Tripolitans — Usurpation of Firmus — Victories of Theodosius — Death of Firmus — Insurrection under Gildo — Wisdom and Bravery of Stilicho — Death of Gildo — Rebellion of Heraclian — Error of Bonifacius — He invites the Vandals — Progress of Genseric, their General — Death of Bonifacius — Continued Success of the Vandals — Fall of Carthage — Severe Sufferings of the Inhabitants — Policy of Genseric — He creates a N'avy — Sacks Rome — Prosecutes a Maritime War — Marjorian meditates the Invasion of Africa — His Fleet is destroyed by Fire — Attempt of Basilicus — Loss of his Ships — Death of Genseric — Accession of Justinian — Usurpation of Gelimer in Africa — Belisarius takes the Command there — Victory over Gelimer — He reduces Cartilage — Conquest of Africa — Surrender of Gelimer — Decay of the Vandal Power — Africa gradually relapses into Barbarism — Commerce and Agriculture languish — Arrival of the Saracens — Conduct of the Prefect Gregorv — Valour of Akbah — Dissension among the Caliphs — Akbah is slain — Conduct and Fate of Zobeir — Foundation of Kairwan — Hassan retakes Carthage — The

CONTENTS.

Greek Imperialists defeated, and finally leave the Country — The Moors contend for the Sovereignty — Queen Cahina — Her Success and Defeat — Union of the Moors and Mohammedan Arabs — ■ Revolt of Ibrahim — Dynasty of the Aglabites — Other Dynasties founded by Rostam and Edris — Rise of the Fatimites — Of the Zeirites— Emigration of Arabs from the Red Sea — The Almohades and Almoravides, Page 84

CHAPTER, IV.

RELIGION" AND LITERATURE OF THE BARBARY STATES.

The Religion and Literature vary with the successive Inhabitants — Superstition of the Natives — Human Sacrifices continued by the Carthaginians — Worship of Melcarth, Astarte, and Baal — No sacred Caste or Priesthood — Religious Rites performed by the Chief Magistrates — Introduction of Christianity — Accomplished by the Arms of Rome — Different Opinions as to the Date of Conversion and the Persons by whom it was effected — Statements of Salvian and Augustin — Learning and Eloquence of the African Clergy, Tertullian, Cyprian, Lactantius, and the Bishop of Hippo — Works of these Divines — Death of Cyprian and Angus tin — The Writings of the Latin Fathers chiefly valuable as a Record of Usages, Opinions, and Discipline — Church revived under Justinian — Invasion of the Moslem — Christian Congregations permitted to exist under the Mohammedan Rulers — Conditions of Toleration — Africans gradually yield to the Seducements of the New Faith, and the Gospel is superseded by the Koran — Barbary States the only Country where Christianity has been totally extinguished — Attempt made to restore it by the Patriarch of Alexandria — FiveBishops sent toKairwan — Public Profession of the Gospel cannot be traced after the Twelfth Century — A few Christians found at Tunis in 1533 — Learning of the Arabs — Great Exertions of Almamoun — He collects Greek Authors, and causes them to be translated — He is imitated by the Fatimites of Africa — Science cultivated by the Mohammedans Five Hundred Years — Their chief Studies were Mathematics, Astronomy, and Chemistry — Their Progress in these Researches — Neglect Literature, properly so called — Prospect of Improvement from the Settlement of European Colonies in Northern Africa, 124

Chapter V. The Cyrenaica And Pentapolis

Modern Acceptation of the Term Barbary — Desert of Barca — District of Marmarica — Its desolate State — Remains of ancient Im-

CONTENTS.

provement — Derna — Natural Advantages — Habits of the People — Want of good Harbours — Attempt of Americans to colonize it — Ruins — Opinion of Pacho — Excavations and Grottos — Gyrene — Details by Herodotus — War with Egypt — Successes of the Persians — Form of Government — Cyrene subject to Egypt — Persians — Saracens— Present State of the Cyrenaica — Marsa- Suza — Ruins — Apollonia — Monuments of Christianity — Tombs — Theatres — Style of Architecture— Amphitheatre — Temples — Stadium — Hypogea — Notion of petrified Village — Account by Shaw — Remark by Delia Cella — Journey of Captain Smyth — State of Ghirza — Fountain of Apollo — Description of it — Examined by Captain Beechey — Plain of Merge — Barca — History of — Doubts as to its real Position— Opinion of Delia Cella — Ptolemeta, or Dolmeita— Fine Situation of the Town— Streets covered with Grass and Shrubs — Extent of the City — Ruins — Theatres — Magnificent Gateway — Supposed of Egyptian Origin — Hypothesis of Delia Cella — Disputed by Captain Beechey — Taucra, or ancient Teuchira— Unfavourable as a Seaport— Complete Demolition of its Buildings — Ruins of two Christian Churches — Tombs — Variety of Greek Inscriptions — Mode of Burial— Bengazi, or Berenice — Miserable Condition of the Place— Plague of Flies — Population — Character of Inhabitants — Gardens of the Hesperides — Glowing Descriptions of them by ancient Writers — Position indicated by Scylax — Labours of Captain Beechey — Conclusion, Page 153

Chapter VI. Tripoli And Its Immediate Dependencies

Ancient Limits of the Pashalic — Great Syrtis seldom visited — Delia Cella and the Beecheys — Ghimines — Forts and Ruins — Tabilba — Remains of a Castle — Curious Arch — Braiga, a Seaport and strongly garrisoned — Thought to be the ancient Automala — Sachrin, the southern Point of the Gulf — Shape of the Bay — Cato, Lucan, and Sallust — Muktar — Hudia — Linoof — Mahiriga — Fortress — Tower of Bengerwad — Supposed to be that of Euphrantas — Charax — Medinet Sultan — Shuaisha — Hamed Garoosh — Zaffran — Habits of the Natives — Their Dress — The Aspis of Ancient Writers — Giraff — Cape Triero — Mesurata — Salt-marshes — Gulf of Zuca — Lebida — Ruins — Narrative of Captain Smyth — Tagiura — Fertility — Tripoli — Appearance — Tripoli believed to be of Moorish Origin — Old Tripoli destroyed by the Saracens — Opinion of Leo Africanus — Favourable Judgment formed by Mr Blaquiere — Moral Character of the Tripolines

CONTENTS.

— Statement by the Author of Tully's Letters — Description of Tripoli by Captain Beechey — Pasha's Castle — Mosques — Triumphal Arch — Inhabitants divided into Moors and Arabs — Manner in which the Turks spend their Time — Peculiar Mode of conducting" Conversation — Bedouins — Their Dress and Manners — The Pianura or Fertile Plain — Visit to the Castle — Magnificence of the Apartments — Pasha's principal Wife — Mode of Salutation — Refreshments — History of Tripoli — Knights of Malta — Rajoot Rais — Admiral Blake — Sir John Narborough — Revolution by Hamet the Great — The Atrocities which attended it — Fezzan — Siwah — Augila — Marabouts — Scene witnessed by Captain Lyon — Drunkenness — Languages spoken at Tripoli, Page 209

Chapter VII. Tunis And Its Dependencies

Lands included in the Pashalic of Tunis — History resumed — Abou Ferez — His Court, Bodyguard, and Council — Invasion of Tunis by Louis IX. — Carthage reduced — Sufferings of the French — Death of the King- — Arrival of the Sicilian Crusaders — Failure of the Expedition — Rise of the two Barbarossas, Horuc and Hayradin — The former invited to assist the King of Algiers — He murders him and seizes the Government — The Usurper defeated and slain — Algiers occupied by Hayradin, who courts the Protection of the Grand Seignior — Plans an Attack on Tunis — Succeeds in his Attempt — Excites the Resentment of the Emperor Charles V. — The vast Preparations in Italy and Spain — Barbarossa prepares for Defence — The Goletta is taken — A general Engagement ensues — The Moors are defeated and Tunis falls — TheTownis sacked and plundered — Muley Hassan restored — Conditions — Exploits of Barbarossa — Spaniards expelled by Selim II. — Tunisians elect a Dey — Government settled in a Bey — Rise of Hassan Ben Ali —Power absolute — Administration of Justice — Description of Tunis — Soil and Climate — Army — Superstitions — Manners and Customs — Character of the Moors — Avarice of the late Bey — , Population of the Regency — Revenue — Intemperance — Anecdote of Hamooda — Description of Carthage — Cisterns and Aqueduct — Remains of a Temple — Appearance during the Fourth and Fifth Centuries — Details by Edrisi — Remark by Chateaubriand — Bizerta — Utica — Hammam Leif — Sidi Doud — Kalibia — Ghurba — Nabal — Keff — Tubersoke — Herkla — Sahaleel — Monasteer — Lempta — Agar — Demass — Sallecto — Woodlif — Gabes — Jemme — Sfaitla — Gilma — Casareene — Feriana, 262

CONTEXTS.

Chapter VIII. The Regency Of Algiers

Origin of the Term Algiers — Importance attached to its History — Boundaries of the State — Appearance of the Town — Its Interior — Population — Fortifications — Narrow Streets — History resumed — Charles V. resolves to attack Algiers — His Force — Preparations of Hassan Aga — Storm disables the Spaniards — Loss of Ships and Men — Sufferings of the Army — Scattered at Sea — Fortitude of the Emperor — These Hostilities had an earlier Origin — Policy of Cardinal Ximenes — Success of his Measures — Moors revolt, and invite Barbarossa — Spaniards deprived of Oran — Expedition of Philip V. — Oran destroyed by an Earthquake — French attack Algiers under Beaulieu — And under Duquesne — The City and Batteries destroyed — The Dutch, Danes, Swedes, Austrians, and Russians, adopt different Measures — English make several Efforts to reduce the Corsairs — Insults during the Reign <jf George II — Resolutions by Congress of Vienna — Expedition of Lord Esmouth — Attack on Algiers — Terms acceded to — Captives released — French Government offended — Expedition under Bourmont — Account by Rozet — Present State of Algiers — Revenue — War between Algiers and Tunis — Bona — Tabarca — La Cala — Constantina — Antiquities — Mileu — Remains — Bujeya — Province of Titteri — Bleeda and Medea — Burgh Hamza — Auzea — Beni Mezzab — Province of Tlemsan — Capital — Arbaal — El Herba — Maliana — Aquae CalidaeColonia — Oran — Recent History — Inhabitants — Geeza— Carastel — Mostagan — Jol, or Julia Caesarea — Tefessad — Shershell — Vicinity of Algiers — French Government— Attempt at Colonization— Difficulties — Favourable Climate and Soil — European Powers invited to co-operate — Late Publications on the Subject, , Page 314

CHAPTER, IX.

EMPIRE OF MOROCCO.

Boundaries of Morocco — Extent — Divisions — Fertility — Productions — Not fully cultivated — Metallic Treasures, Iron, Copper, Gold, and Silver— Population— History— Aglabites— Edrisites — Fatimites — Zuhites — Hamadians — Abn-Hassians — Abdallah-ben-Jasin — Almoravides — Almohades — Merinites — Oatazi — Shereef Hassan — Various Races of Men— Administration of Justice Rude Government — Oppression — Court-dress — Arrogance

of the Moors — Their patient Endurance — Equality of Rank — Mode of eating — Ceremony of Marriage — Religion — Treatment of Christians and Jews— Revenue— Melilla— Velez— Tetuan—

CONTENTS.

Ceuta — Tangier — Arzillah — El Haratch — Melieduma — Sallee — Rabat — Schella — Mazagan — Mogadore — Agadeer — Morocco — Population — Palace — Fez — Edifices — Decayed State — Terodant — Mequinez — Royal Residence — Manners of Inhabitants,

Chapter X. Commerce Of The Barbae, Y States

Benefits expected from a Trade with Africa — Plan of Bonaparte and Talleyrand to raise in it colonial Produce — French have alwa} T s maintained commercial Relations with Barbary — The Fertility of Central Africa — The Congo and Niger — Market at Bengazi — Ancient Trade of the Genoese — Exports from Tunis — Imports — Commercial Lists of that Pashalic — Trade diminished — Bad Policy of the Bey — System of Licenses — Coins, Weights, and Measures, at Tunis — Trade of Algiers carried on by the Corsairs — Imports resemble those of Tunis — Manufactures and Exports — Mode of Shipbuilding — Present State of Commerce at Algiers — Trade with France, England, Italy, Spain, and Tunis — Trade of Morocco — Mogadore — Total Value of Exports and Imports — Intercourse with Negro Nations — Coins, Weights, and Measures — Physical Advantages of Northern Africa — Hopes of Improvement, 404

Chapter XI. Natural History

Additional Knowledge of Africa supplied by the French — Geology — Great and Little Atlas — Structure of the former — Succeeded by Tertiary Rocks— Supposed Extent of the Greater Atlas — Cyrenean Mountains — Reflections on the Desert — Relics of organized Bodies — Transition-rocks — Limestone — Talc-slate — Mineral Species — Secondary Formation — Limestone-shales — Marlstones and Sandstone- Embedded Minerals — Extent of the Little Atlas — Metals — Tertiary Rocks — Calcareous Sandstone, Clays, Porphyry, Dolerite, Greenstone, and Basalt — Blue Marl or London-clay — Organic Remains — Volcanic Rocks — Diiuvian Formation — Soil of Metijah — Postdiluvian Formation — Uniform Operation of General Laws — Zoology — Scorpions and Serpents — Buska— Effah — Boah — Locusts — Quadrupeds — Horreh — Aoudad — Nimmer — Heirie — Camel — Desert-horse — Birds — Ostrich — El Rogr — Tibib — El Hage — Graab el Sahara — Karaburno— Burourou— Botany — List of Plants — Hashisha— Euphorbium — Silphium — Medicinal Qualities — Opinions of Delia Cella and Beechey — Reflections, 419

ENGRAVINGS.

Map of the Barbary States, To face the Vignette.

Vignette — Fountain on the Road to Mount Bou Zaria.

Berbers, Page 8f>

Moorish Artisan and Female, 119

Coffeehouse and School at Byrmadrais, 150

Rich Moor and Female, 240

Moorish Lady and Fashionable Moor, 28*7

View of Algiers from the Land, 318

View of a Street in Algiers, 324

Gate and Fountain of Bab el Ouad, 346

View of Oran, 361

Aqueduct of Mustapha Pasha, 367

HISTORY

AND

PRESENT CONDITION

OF

THE BARBARY STATES.

CHAPTER I. Ancient History

Contrast between the present and ancient Condition of the Barbarj States — View of ancient Manners — Remains of former Magnificence — Revolutions in that Country at once sudden and entire — Countries comprehended in Barbary — Division, according to Herodotus — Origin of the Term Barbary — Opinion of Leo Africanus — Emigrants from Asia and Arabia — Monuments which denote an Eastern People — Colonies from Tyre — Foundation of Carthage — Supposed Extent of her Territory — Remark of Polybius — Carthaginians encouraged Agriculture — Various Tribes subject to Carthage, or in Alliance with her — The History of Carthage for a long Time includes that of all the Barbary States — First Attempt on Sicily and Sardinia — Ambitious Views of the Carthaginians — Provoke the Resentment of Alexander the Great — First Punic War — Carthage besieged — Second Punic War — Character of Hannibal — Scipio invades the Carthaginian Territory — Hannibal recalled — Is defeated at Zama — Third Punic War — Fall of Carthage — History of Jugurtha — Subdued by the Romans — Marius and Sylla — Pompey and Caesar — Conclusion.

In entering upon a description of the Barbary States, the mind naturally turns, in the first instance, to a comparison of their actual condition,

A

ANCIENT HISTORY.

morally and politically considered, with the civilisation to which they formerly attained under more enlightened governors. The contrast thus presented is rendered still more striking hy a reference to the literature and science of Europe, of which the elements were in many cases derived from the northern shores of Africa ; as well when the Phoenicians extended their power to the Pillars of Hercules, as when the lieutenants of the Caliph exercised authority over the mixed tribes who were compelled to acknowledge their dominion.

Nowhere, indeed, is the effect of wise institutions more clearly distinguished than at the point whence the philosophical eye marks the difference which prevails on the opposite sides of the Mediterranean. From the mountains of Spain the spectator may comprehend, at one glance, the abode of nations which, though in geographical position not farther distant than a voyage of a few hours, are nevertheless, in respect of religion, learning, and all the arts and feelings of social life, removed from one another by the lapse of many centuries. In passing the narrow channel which separates these two quarters of the globe, the traveller finds himself carried back to the manners and habits of ages long past, and witnesses, as it were, a revival of scenes which must have attracted the notice of the earliest historians of the human race. On the one hand, he beholds an order of men who, like the patriarchs of Arabia, are still engaged with the occupations of the pastoral state, living in tents, and sustaining themselves on the produce of their flocks. On the other, he may see a community devoting their cares to the pursuits of traffic, and, like the ancient Ish-

ANCIENT HISTORY.

maelites, carrying the commodities of foreign lands across their wide deserts ; thereby connecting in the bonds of commercial intercourse the remotest nations of the Old World. In a third section of Northern Africa his attention will be drawn to numerous tribes who, adopting partially the usages of both the other classes, refuse to abide by either; but, like the descendants of Esau, with their hands lifted against every man who crosses their path, esteem it their highest honour to impose tribute and enrich themselves on spoil.

Nor is the contrast less remarkable, when the present aspect of the country is compared with the magnificence and cultivation which adorned it during several ages. In no other region of the earth has the flood of time committed ravages so extensive and deplorable, obliterating nearly all the traces of improvement, and throwing down the noblest works of art. Amidst the sand, accordingly, which covers the remains of ancient towns, are to be seen the finest specimens of architectural skill, mingled with the relics of a taste and luxury which distinguished the later years of the Roman empire. The fields, which once bore the most abundant crops, are now either deformed by the encroachments of the Desert, or overgrown with useless weeds and poisonous shrubs; while baths, porticos, bridges, theatres, and triumphal arches, have mouldered into ruins, or sunk under the hands of the barbarous inhabitants.

No people, once civilized, retain so few marks of having risen above savage life as the present Moors and Arabs of Barbary. All other nations, however depressed with regard to power, wealth, and science, continue to exhibit some proofs of their former great-

ANCIENT HISTORY.

ness, and to vindicate,, at least by their recollections and desires, the rank which their ancestors enjoyed in ancient times. The Jews, the Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans, though now little more than the nominal representatives of distinguished empires, cherish the memory of what they were ; extol the exploits of their fathers, and admire their works ; hoping even to restore their fortunes and to emulate their fame in a more auspicious age. But the rude tribes of Africa are strangers to all such ennobling sentiments. They know not that their country was one of the first seats of government and commerce, and took the lead, at an early period, in all the attainments which exalt human nature, and confer the highest blessings on society. They forget that Carthage held long suspended between herself and Rome the scales of universal dominion ; that her provinces were opulent and enlightened ; that she could boast of renowned sages and learned fathers of the church ; and that some of her towns were on a footing of equality with the most celebrated in antiquity. Ignorant, moreover, of the history of those monuments which still give an interest to their wild shores and dreary plains, they even make haste to deface every thing whereon ingenuity has been lavished, and to remove every token which might serve as an evidence that men more polished than themselves had occupied their cities or ploughed their fieldsj

These facts will appear less inexplicable, when it is called to mind that the revolutions in Barbary have, for the most part, been not only sudden and complete, but that, being brought about by nations who had very little in common with those which