Azmooz. A village in Switzerland, where the French under Massena defeated the Austrians and took 3000 prisoners.
Azoe, or Azov. A town in Russia in Europe, captured by Tamerlane in 1392, by the Turks in 1471, by the Russians in 1696; returned to the Turks in 1711; ceded to Russia in 1774. It was bombarded and destroyed by an allied English and French squadron in 1855.
Azof, Sea of. The Palus Mæotis of the ancients, communicates by the Strait of Yenikale, or Kertch (the Bosphorus Cimmerius), with the Black Sea, and is entirely surrounded by Russian territory. An expedition composed of British, French, and Turkish troops, commanded by Sir G. Brown, arrived at Kertch, May 24, 1855, when the Russians retired, after blowing up the fortifications. On the 27th the allies marched upon Yenikale, which also offered no resistance. On the same evening the allied fleet entered the sea of Azof, and in a few days completed their occupation of it, after capturing a large number of merchant vessels, etc. Immense quantities of stores were destroyed by the Russians to prevent them falling into the hands of the allies.
Azotus. See [Ashdod].
Aztecs. The ruling tribe in Mexico at the time of the Spanish invasion, 1519.
Azure. A French word used in heraldry to signify blue. In engraving arms it is always represented by horizontal lines.
B.
Baalbec. An ancient city of Syria. From the accounts of Oriental writers, it was a place of importance down to the time of the Moslem invasion of Syria. After the capture of Damascus, it was regularly invested by the Moslems, and after a courageous defense at length capitulated; sacked and dismantled by the caliph of Damascus, and the principal inhabitants put to the sword, 748; pillaged by Timour Bey, 1400; afterwards subjected to Turkish supremacy; pillaged August 8, 1860, and the Christian inhabitants massacred by the Mohammedans.
Bab-el-Thaza. A place in Algeria where the French fought the Arabs, April 22, 1842.