Maps of the Ancient World on One Sheet, 1880

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This original antique map is from Karl Spruner von Merz's "Atlas Antiquus", later edited by Theodorus Menke. The map is … Read more This original antique map is from Karl Spruner von Merz's "Atlas Antiquus", later edited by Theodorus Menke. The map is a detailed depiction of the ancient world. The atlas it comes from is known for its scholarly accuracy and was widely used for educational purposes in the 19th century. This particular map likely represents multiple historical periods, given Spruner's comprehensive approach to cartography. The map is a colored lithograph with hand-colored borders, a common practice of the time to distinguish different regions or nations. It’s composed of several smaller maps and charts, each focusing on different regions or aspects of the ancient world. The main map seems to depict the classical lands of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, reflecting the Roman Empire at its extent. The map includes various Latin inscriptions, indicating regions, cities, and important geographical features such as rivers, mountains, and seas. It also contains tables and notes that would provide context and additional information to the viewer, likely historical data relevant to the periods and places shown. Given the indicated publication year of 1880, this map was one of the later editions of Spruner’s atlas, at a time when such detailed historical atlases were particularly valuable to academics and educators. The combination of Spruner's detailed cartographic work and Menke's editing would have made this a significant educational resource for understanding historical geography. This map, with its intricate detail and historical value, is not only a tool for learning but also a work of art, reflecting the high standards of craftsmanship and academic rigor of the period. To observe the map in more detail and in various sections, read here: 1. **Top Left Corner**: A smaller inset map that appears to be a wind rose or a classical depiction of the known world, possibly showing the classical elements or winds with Greek or Latin inscriptions. 2. **Main Central Map**: This is the largest section and seems to show the ancient world, with parts of Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. The territories are marked with different colors, possibly representing the boundaries of various empires or states. 3. **Bottom Left Corner**: Here, there are three inset maps. The topmost one appears to show the Arabian Peninsula; the middle one could be depicting the Nile delta and surrounding regions of Egypt; and the bottom one might be focusing on the island of Sicily with its Greek colonies. 4. **Bottom Center**: This section seems to be another detailed map, potentially zooming in on the Mediterranean region, featuring parts of Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Near East. The detail here suggests important cities, trade routes, or other significant historical features. 5. **Bottom Right Corner**: Similar to the bottom left, there are three inset maps. They likely depict specific regions of historical interest, possibly including the Italian peninsula and other culturally significant localities of the ancient world. 6. **Borders and Tables**: Surrounding the maps are various tables and notes. These could contain important contextual information such as the names of regions, historical notes, distances, or a legend explaining the symbols and colors used on the map. 7. **Overall Style and Detail**: The map is intricately detailed, with various lines denoting borders, possibly trade routes, and other geographical features like mountains and rivers. The use of color is strategic, demarcating different regions for easy visual distinction. The map is a rich historical document, offering a window into how 19th-century scholars viewed and interpreted the ancient world. It's a blend of geography and history, serving as an educational tool for understanding the vastness and complexity of ancient civilizations. See less