a department in the south-west of France. It is about 56 miles in length, and on an average 30 in breadth; and contained 327,000 inhabitants in 1815. It covers an extent of 2240 square miles. Angoulême is the chief town.

CHARENTE Inferior, a department in the south-west of France, lying between the department of Charente above described, and the bay of Biscay. It is 80 miles long, and from 20 to 40 in breadth; and contains 2800 square miles. The population in 1815 was 393,000. The coast of this department is marshy, and the climate rather unhealthy; but the soil is fruitful in corn and flax, and produces excellent wine. There are manufactures of woollens, cottons, pottery, paper, glass, and salt. Saintes is the chief town.

CHARLES the Lydian, a celebrated statuary, was the disciple of Lysippus; and made the famous Colossus of the sun in the city of Rhodes. Flourished 288 years before Christ.