Historical Map of Ancient Germany, 1787

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This antique map, titled "Carte Ancienne d'Allemagne," represents ancient Germany and surrounding regions. It was published by the well-known Parisian … Read more This antique map, titled "Carte Ancienne d'Allemagne," represents ancient Germany and surrounding regions. It was published by the well-known Parisian mapmakers and publishers Jean-Baptiste-Louis Clouet and Alexandre Aimé Vuillemin in the late 18th century, specifically in 1787. The map covers the extensive geographical area of ancient Germany, highlighting various tribes and regions known at the time. Key features include: 1. **Geographical Boundaries**: The map outlines the territorial extents of ancient Germany, bordered by Gallia (France) to the west, Sarmatia (parts of Eastern Europe) to the east, and the Italian regions to the south. The northern boundary reaches the Oceanus Germanicus (North Sea) and the Sarmatian Sea (Baltic Sea). 2. **Tribal Regions**: It details numerous ancient Germanic tribes and their respective regions, including the Franks, Saxons, Bavarians, Swabians, and others. These tribal boundaries are marked with distinct colors for easier differentiation. 3. **Topographical Details**: The map includes topographical features such as mountains, rivers, and forests. Notable mountain ranges and rivers, which played crucial roles in ancient Germanic history, are carefully illustrated. 4. **Cartouche and Inscriptions**: The title cartouche in the lower right corner of the map provides the map’s title, publication details, and the mapmakers’ names. The inscriptions on the map are in French, reflecting the linguistic and cultural context of the publishers. 5. **Scale and Coordinates**: The map features a scale bar and longitude and latitude lines for precise geographical referencing, demonstrating the scientific approach to cartography during the period. This map is a valuable historical document, offering insights into the geographical and political landscape of ancient Germany as understood in the late 18th century. It not only serves as a tool for historical study but also stands as an artifact of cartographic art, reflecting the meticulous work of mapmakers like Clouet and Vuillemin. Jean-Jacques Mentelle and Pierre-Gilles Chanlaire are mentioned on the map because they were influential geographers and cartographers in the late 18th century who contributed to its creation and publication. 1. **Jean-Jacques Mentelle (1730-1799)**: A renowned French geographer and historian, Mentelle was known for his contributions to geography and cartography during the Enlightenment period. His works often focused on providing detailed geographical knowledge and education. His involvement in the map indicates that it was produced with a high level of scholarly input, reflecting the latest geographical understanding of the time. 2. **Pierre-Gilles Chanlaire (1758-1817)**: A contemporary of Mentelle, Chanlaire was also a respected geographer and cartographer. He collaborated with Mentelle on various cartographic projects and was known for his detailed and accurate maps. His inclusion on the map signifies his role in its design, research, or publication process. Their collaboration would have brought together significant expertise and resources, ensuring that the map was both accurate and informative. The mention of their names on the map serves to credit their contributions and to add authority and credibility to the map, which would have been important for its acceptance and use in academic and educational contexts. See less