anciently a town of the Transpadana, in Italy, situated on the Minus, a river running from the Lacus Benacus (Pliny); a very old town, supposed to be older than Rome. It is still called Mantua, and is the capital of the duchy of that name. It is now a large place, having eight gates and about 16,000 inhabitants. The streets are broad and straight, and the houses well built. It is very strong by situation as well as by art; lying in the middle of a lake, or rather morass, formed by the river Minchio. There is no access to the city but by two causeways which cross this morass, and which are strongly fortified; so that the city is looked upon to be one of the most considerable fortresses of Europe; and the allies in 1745, tho' their army was in the duchy, durst not undertake the siege. It was greatly noted for its silk-manufactures, which are now much decayed. The air in the summer-time is very unwholesome. The celebrated poet Virgil was born at a village near this city. E. Long. 10° 47'. N. Lat. 45° 10'.

duchy of, a country of Italy, lying along the river Po, which divides it into two parts. It is bounded on the north by the Veronese; on the south, by the duchies of Reggio, Modena, and Mirandola; on the east, by the Ferrarese; and on the west, by the Cremonese. It is about 50 miles in length, and 25 in breadth; is fruitful in corn, pastures, flax, fruits, and excellent wine. Charles IV., the last duke of Mantua, being a vassal of the empire, took part with the French, in the dispute relating to the succession of Spain; for which reason he was put under the ban of the empire, and died at Venice in 1708. He having no heirs, the emperor kept the Mantuan in his own hands, and the duke of Savoy had Montferrat, which were confirmed to them by subsequent treaties. After the death of the emperor, in 1740, his eldest daughter, now empress-queen, kept possession of the Mantuan; and the governor of the Milanese had the administration of affairs. The Mantuan comprehends the duchies of Mantua, Guastalla, and Sabioneta; the principalities of Castiglione, Solforino, and Bofolo; likewise the county of Novellara. The principal rivers are the Po, the Oglio, and the Minchio; and the principal town is Mantua.