This continued a great while in some parts of the [155]world; especially in Asia Minor, where, even in the time of the Romans, the chief priest was the prince of the [156]province. The term was sometimes used with a greater latitude; and denoted any thing noble and divine. Hence we find it prefixed to the names both of Deities and men; and of places denominated from them. It is often compounded with Athoth, as Canethoth; and we meet with Can-Osiris, Can-ophis, Can-ebron, and the like. It was sometimes expressed Kun, and among the Athenians was the title of the antient priests of Apollo; whose posterity were styled Κυννιδαι, Cunnidæ, according to Hesychius. Κυννιδαι, γενος εν Αθηνῃσιν, εξ ὁυ Ἱερευς του Κυννιου Απολλωνος. We find from hence, that Apollo was styled Κυννιος, Cunnius. Κυννιος, Απολλωνος επιθετον. Hence came κυνειν, προσκυνειν, προσκυνησις, well known terms of adoration. It was also expressed Con, as we may infer from the title of the Egyptian Hercules.[157] Τον Ἡρακλην φησι κατα την Αιγυπτιων διαλεκτον ΚΩΝΑ λεγεσθαι. It seems also to have been a title of the true God, who by [158]Moses is styled Konah, קנה. We find this term oftentimes subjoined. The Chaldeans, who were particularly possessed of the land of Ur, and were worshippers of fire, had the name of Urchani. Strabo limits this title to one branch of the Chaldeans, who were literati, and observers of the heavens; and even of these to one sect only. Εστι δε και των Χαλδαιων των Αστρονομικων γενη πλειω· και γαρ [159]Ορχηνοι τινες προσαγορευονται. But [160]Ptolemy speaks of them more truly as a nation; as does Pliny likewise. He mentions their stopping the course of the Euphrates, and diverting the stream into the channel of the Tigris. [161]Euphratem præclusere Orcheni, &c. nec nisi Pasitigri defertur in mare. There seem to have been particular colleges appropriated to the astronomers and priests in Chaldea, which were called Conah; as we may infer from [162]Ezra. He applies it to societies of his own priests and people; but it was a term borrowed from Chaldea. The title of Urchan among the Gentile nations was appropriated to the God of fire, and his [163]priests; but was assumed by other persons. Some of the priests and princes among the Jews, after the return from captivity, took the name of Hyrcanus. Orchan, and Orchanes among the Persic and Tartar nations is very common at this [164]day; among whom the word Chan is ever current for a prince or king. Hence we read of Mangu Chan, Cublai Chan, Cingis Chan. Among some of these nations it is expressed Kon, Kong, and King. Monsieur de Lisle, speaking of the Chinese, says, [165]Les noms de King Che, ou Kong-Sse, signifient Cour de Prince en Chine. Can, ou Chan en langue Tartare signifie Roi, ou Empereur. PETAH.