Antique Map of Syria, Mount Lebanon and Palestine, 1760s

Details

Description

Map of syria and mount lebanon – “carte de la syrie”, c.1760 this finely engraved 18th-century map, titled carte de … Read more Map of syria and mount lebanon – “carte de la syrie”, c.1760 this finely engraved 18th-century map, titled carte de la syrie nouvellement corrigée, presents the region of syria and lebanon along the eastern mediterranean coast.

the map extends from the island of cyprus (isle de cypre) and the gulf of alexandretta in the north to the area south of gaza in the south, encompassing major historical and biblical sites. Coastal cities such as antioch, tripoli, beirut, sidon, tyre, acre, jaffa, and gaza are marked, along with inland locations including damascus, aleppo, homs, and jerusalem. Mountain ranges are shown pictorially, including the lebanon (liban) and anti-lebanon ranges. Rivers, including the orontes and jordan, are carefully traced. An inset at lower right titled du mont liban et du kesroan focuses on the mount lebanon region, showing towns, monasteries, and the keserwan district, a historical maronite christian stronghold. This inset offers greater detail on the mountainous terrain and settlements compared to the main map. The map includes scale bars in french, spanish, and arabian leagues, reflecting its use for both scholarly and navigational purposes. Engraved by a. Porlier (a. Porlier sculp.), it is marked “tome 1, n° 1,” indicating its inclusion in a large multi-volume enlightenment-era historical and geographical series. In the 18th century, the levant was of strategic interest to european powers for trade, pilgrimage, and missionary activity. Maps like this one served as both practical references and visual representations of a region rich in ancient history and religious significance.

condition: very good for age, with central folds as issued. Minor toning and light handling marks. Strong plate impression with crisp detail in both coastal and inland features.
technique: copperplate engraving maker: a. Porlier, french school, c.1760 See less