Map of the Italian Peninsula with the Islands of Sicily, 1880

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This map, titled "ITALIA, Sicilia, Sardinia, Corsica," represents the Italian Peninsula along with the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. … Read more This map, titled "ITALIA, Sicilia, Sardinia, Corsica," represents the Italian Peninsula along with the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Inset maps offer detailed views of "Roma" with an elaborate depiction of the ancient Roman Forum, signifying its significance as a center of political, religious, and social life in the Roman Republic and Empire. from the "Spruner-Menke Atlas Antiquus," this map is a work by Karl Spruner von Merz, later revised by Theodorus Menke. Known for meticulous historical cartography, the atlas served as an academic resource, depicting various regions through different historical eras. The period depicted might be during the Roman Republic or early Empire, indicated by the prominent display of the Roman Forum in the inset, which was the core of Roman public life during these times. The map is interesting for several reasons: 1. **Historical Insight**: It provides a visualization of Italy's ancient regional divisions, roads, and cities. 2. **Cultural Heritage**: The detailed inset of Rome's Forum is a snapshot of one of history's most influential urban centers. 3. **Topographical Detail**: The map shows the topography of Italy, including the Apennine mountain range, the Po Valley, and the volcanic areas, critical to Italy's ancient and modern history. 4. **Island Representation**: The inclusion of the major islands underscores their historical importance in the Mediterranean context. 5. **Navigation and Trade**: The map may detail ancient trade routes and ports, reflecting the maritime prowess of ancient Rome. 6. **Military Campaigns**: It likely includes sites of major battles and military campaigns, which were instrumental in Rome's expansion. This map would be particularly useful for those interested in the geographical aspects of ancient Rome, the development of its provinces, and the broader historical context of the Mediterranean region during antiquity. See less