Volume 46: The Atlantic Ocean — The Kingdom of Austria

Snow and ice accumulate here; of the longest rivers, there are eighteen, and of the largest lakes, there are eleven. The soil in the central and eastern regions is fertile and rich; the remaining lands are high and dry, and their local products are somewhat less abundant. The climate is mild and pleasant for the people. Its various products, particularly its minerals and stones, are described as wealthy and abundant.

Both men and women are permitted to inherit the throne, with the order of succession determined by seniority. More than half of the population follows the Roman Catholic Church original: 羅馬天主公教, Luoma Tianzhu Gongjiao. Those who practice the teachings of the Greek Orthodox original: 額力西, Elixi; likely referring to "Ecclesia" or the Greek Church, Calvinism original: 加爾威諾, Jiaerweinuo, or Lutheranism original: 路得羅, Ludeluo are few. As for those who follow the ancient religion of Judea original: 入徳亞, Rudeya; referring to Judaism, they are even more scarce. The people’s technical skills and crafts are exquisite; workshops and marketplaces stand as thick as forests, and trade is prosperous.

In the 33rd year of Jesus 33 AD, which corresponded to the 9th year of the Jianwu era of Emperor Guangwu of the Han original: 漢光武, Han Guangwu; Wei Yuan uses Chinese regnal years to provide a chronological anchor for his readers, the land was conquered by the Roman Empire. Over four hundred years later, it suffered from the invasions and disturbances of the Northern Barbarians likely referring to the Migration Period and tribes such as the Huns or Goths.

In the 7th year of the Zhenyuan era of Emperor Dezong of the Tang 791 AD, it was conquered by France original: 佛蘭西, Folansi; referring to the Frankish Empire under Charlemagne, and its name was changed to Austria original: 奧斯的里亞, Aosidelia; derived from the German "Österreich," meaning Eastern Realm. In the 3rd year of the Zhiyuan era of Emperor Shizu of the Yuan 1266 AD, the sovereign of the Germanic lands original: 亞里曼, Yaliman; referring to the Holy Roman Empire, having acquired this territory, granted it as a fief to his heir This refers to the rise of the House of Habsburg; though the dates differ slightly from Western records, it marks the transition to Habsburg rule. The total area of its land is not...