Cartographica Neerlandica Map Text for Ortelius Map No. 52


Text, scholarly version only, nearly identical to that of Ort51, translated from the 1588 Spanish, 1603 Latin, 1606 English and the 1608/1612 Italian editions:

52.1. {1588S{The duchy of Burgundy.

52.2. Burgundy consists of two parts: one is called the lower one and Regia {not in 1606E{or the royal one}not in 1606E}. It has the name of a duchy and was once the area of the Ædui. The other part is the upper one, called the imperial part, also called a countship, {1603L, 1606E & 1608/1612I only{commonly called FRANCE COMTE (which means free duchy}1603L, 1606E & 1608/1612I only} which used to be inhabited by the Sequani. This is the part depicted in this map. On the North side it is bordered by Lorraine and upper Germany. In the West it has lower Burgundy just mentioned.
52.3. Switzerland lies to its East. In the South it is bordered by the Allobroges and Secusiani {1606E has instead{Savoy and Bresse}1606E instead} people, {1608/1612I only{in the regions of Geneva, Savoy and Brescia}1608/1612I only}. Nowadays it is divided into three {not in 1606E{dioceses or prefectures}not in 1606E} parts, namely the upper, the lower and the one called Dolana. Its cities are the following: in the upper part you find Gray. This city is considered one of the most important cities of this part of Burgundy, lying on the bank of the river {1588S only{Saône}1588S only}{other editions instead{Araris}other editions instead}. It is rich in merchandise and wonderful to behold on account of its stately houses. On one side it has a large valley and fertile fields for all that is needed. Then we have Vesoul, surrounded by a strong wall and with beautiful, well built houses.
52.4. Vines grow here in abundance. Further there are Momboson, Jussey, Palma close to the river called Dubis {1588S has instead, 1606E additionally{Doux}1588S instead, 1606E additionally}. Then Port-du-Saône at the bank of the river Saône. Then Cromaroy, Montgustin and Faucogney. The main cities of lower Burgundy are Salindres, a hospitable and fine city, having the same name as its salty and high springs, for they yield salt of a snow-white color superior to any other kind, which is transported by waggon to surrounding areas, yielding much profit and taxes. The city is located in a long and narrow valley called Scodinga and therefore is quite extended between the mountains which are frightfully high, and which have many vines. It is a strong city with high towers and two castles.
52.5. In this pleasant area there is also the city of Arbois, known for its abundance of merchandise, but most of all known and famous for its excellent wine which can be kept for a long time. It has large suburbs around it, as well as cemeteries, but it also has gardens inside its walls. Around it are numerous mountains, which are lovely to behold, since they contain numerous springs, vineyards and trees. And precisely because there are so many trees it is called Arbois.
52.6. Then you have Poligny, which is not at all ugly, but is fortified with beautiful walls and towers, and is prominent because of the castle named Grimonia which belongs to it. On both sides it has mountains. On one side, these mountains have thick woods, on the other side they have vineyards with wine of the most excellent reputation. The city of Pontarlier is built at the foot of two mountains, along the banks of the river Dubis {1588S has instead{Doux}1588S instead}. Near to it lies the strong castle of Jura {1606E{or Ioux}1606E}, located on top of a mountain, so that it cannot be taken.
52.7. Nozeroy, also located on the high top of a mountain, may be regarded as the navel or middle of the country. Almost all of its houses have been built of stone. The ruler of this land has a castle called the leaden Castle because of its leaden roof. It has four fairs each year. Before this town was walled, it was called Nucillum, because of its yearly production of hazelnuts, having hedges of these hazelnuts. Castrum Caroli [Châtel Chalon], so named after Charles, called the Great after his good deeds, was built by him and received his name. It is because of its location a well known and strong city. Montmort, not hard to climb, also has vines.
52.8. Orgelet is known for its merchandise. Its inhabitants are keen merchants, who trade wool. Its soil is barren, and it is course and uneven because of its hills and numerous rocks, so that the saying arose that it has fields without grass, rivers without fish and mountains without woods.
52.9. In the third region of this Burgundy called Dolana lies the city of Dole, the most famous one of the entire region, and a source or fountain of various studies, but mostly law. It can be seen at a pleasant location along the river Dubis {1588S has instead{Doux}1588S instead}. It winds its way eastwards along bridges, walls and fortifications or bastions. Its houses, churches and schools are pleasant to behold, not only because they are a sight to see, but also because they have been constructed very cunningly.
52.10. Quingey is a very old city, located along the river Loue. Ornans lies between steep mountains, [also] at the river Loue which runs through it and which contains a lot of fish. Loya is a wonderful village, and Rochefort a little city. Vercelles is horrible to behold because of its broken walls. In this duchy Besançon is the metropolis which is also the capital of both Burgundies. But since this sheet cannot contain a full description, and since Gilbertus Cognatus, Paradinus and Georgius Bruno in their city books have described it diligently, we do not report any further on this city. For since the books written by these men are easily obtainable, we think it best to refer to them.
52.11. When he wants to, he may also read Robertus Cœnalis. We wish by God that Cognatus has not created vain hope in the reader. For he has promised to publish a book to explain and do justice to ancient Burgundy, including a map of its places mentioning their old and new names, but so far we have waited for this without any results}1588S which ends here}. {1603L{However, these days a specific book has been published about this duchy by Ludouicus Gollusius in he French language}1603L, 1606E & 1608/1612I end here}.

Bibliographical sources


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