Zanzibar, or Zanguebar. An island in the Indian Ocean, near the east coast of Africa, belonging to the sultan of Zanzibar. In 1784 the island was taken by the imaum of Muscat, in whose family the government remained until 1858.
Zaym. In the East Indies, a feudal chief, or military tenant.
Zeithun. A town and district in the highlands of Cilicia, inhabited by a community of Armenian Christians, virtually independent of the Turkish government, and forming in fact an Asiatic republic. The Zeithumlus can muster an army from 7000 to 8000 men to defend the mountains against the Turkish pashas; and they are in alliance with a neighboring Turcoman chief, also independent of the Turks, who brings 10,000 men into the field. It was not till after the Crimean war that the massacres in the East called special attention to the existence of Zeithun. An attempt by the Turks to settle Circassians near Zeithun, gave Aziz Pasha of Marash an opportunity of attacking the Christians, and the atrocities committed remind one of the worst excesses of Cawnpore. The inhabitants defended themselves, however, with the greatest gallantry, twice defeating in the field large Turkish forces; and the struggle was at length terminated by the interference of the French and English governments at Constantinople, and the recall of the pasha.
Zela, or Ziela. A city in the south of Pontus, not far south of Amasia, and four days’ journey east of Tavium. It stood on an artificial hill, and was strongly fortified. At Zela the Roman general Valerius Triarius was defeated by Mithridates; but the city is more famous for another great battle,—that in which Julius Cæsar defeated Pharnaces, and of which he wrote this dispatch to Rome: Veni: Vidi: Vici.
Zenta, or Szenta. A town of Hungary, on the right bank of the Theiss, 120 miles south-southeast from Pesth. Near here Prince Eugène defeated the Turks, September 11, 1697 (1696). This victory led to the peace of Carlowitz, ratified January, 1699.
Zierikzee. A town of Holland, in the province of Zealand, situated on the southeast of the island of Schouwen. It suffered severely in the contests between Flanders and Holland for the possession of Zealand. In 1303, the Flemings besieged it with a large army, but were compelled by Count William of Holland to retire, on August 10, 1304. In the long war of independence, after an obstinate defense, the Spaniards took Zierikzee in July, 1576.
Zigzags. In fortification, are trenches or paths, with several windings, so cut that the besieged are prevented from enfilading the besieger in his approaches.
Ziyamut. In the East Indies, a fief bestowed for military services.
Zizarme. A sort of ancient pike or lance.
Znaym, or Znaim. A town of Austria, situated on the Thaya, 34 miles southwest from Brunn. A conflict took place here in 1809, between the Austrians and the French.