Peter Heylyn (1599 – 1662) was an English ecclesiastic and author of many historical, political and theological treatises. Born in Oxfordshire, he studied at Hart Hall and Magdalen College, Oxford and after graduating in 1617, stayed at Magdalen College as a lecturer on historical geography. In 1621, he moved to Cambridge University, where he read lectures for a decade before becoming a canon of Westminster in 1631. A loyal supporter of King Charles I, he was persecuted in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Heylyn was a prolific writer, producing dozens of treatises and books. In 1652 he published "Cosmographie" in which he attempted to provide a broad overview of the known world, touching upon geography, climate, customs, politics, and belief systems. Heylyn devoted several pages to Georgia, which he included in the chapter "Turcomania". After discussing "Armenia Major," the author described "Colchis" (Western Georgia) and "Iberia" (Eastern Georgia."
Of the old Iberians [Georgians] it is written, that they were a very warlike Nation, and used to set as many Pillars about the grave of a dead man, as he had slain Enemies in his life. And also that "those of the same Tribe or Family had all things common, he being the Ruler, which was eldest: and that some of them did derive themselves from the Children of David begotten on the wife of Uriah, for that cause never marrying out of their own kindred. The present Georgians are very warlike, strong of body, and valorous in fight, for a long time defended themselves and Country from the Turks and Persians, with great prudence making use of the one against the others But overpowered by the vast multitude of Turks breaking in upon them, have lost many of their best Forts, and much of their liberty."
