The lower portion of this region was divided off from the remainder, and embraced the locality known as Hell—the place of torment, where the rebellious angels were driven and shut in after their expulsion from Heaven.
As far removed from God and light of Heaven
As from the centre thrice to the utmost pole.—i. 73-74.
The New Universe, which included the Earth and all the orbs of the firmament known as the Starry Heavens, was created out of Chaos, and hung, as if suspended by a golden chain, from the Empyrean above; and although its magnitude and dimensions were inconceivable, yet, according to the Ptolemaic theory, it was enclosed by the tenth sphere or Primum Mobile.
By this partitioning of space Milton was able to contrive a system which fulfilled the requirements of his great poem.
The annexed diagram explains the relative positions of the different regions into which space was divided.
Though there are traces of Copernicanism found in ‘Paradise Lost,’ yet Milton has very faithfully adhered to the Ptolemaic mechanism and nomenclature throughout his poem.
In his description of the Creation, the Earth is formed first, then the Sun, followed by the Moon, and afterwards the stars, all of which are described as being in motion round the Earth. Allusion is also made to this ancient system in several prominent passages, and in the following lines there is a distinct reference to the various revolving spheres.
They pass the planets seven, and pass the fixed,
And that crystalline sphere whose balance weighs
The trepidation talked, and that first moved.—iii. 481-83.