Map of Roman Italy and Provinces, 1880s

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The map titled "ITALIA, Gallia Cisalpina, Sicilia, Sardinia, Corsica" focuses on Italy and its surrounding regions during Roman times. It … Read more The map titled "ITALIA, Gallia Cisalpina, Sicilia, Sardinia, Corsica" focuses on Italy and its surrounding regions during Roman times. It offers a detailed depiction of the Italian peninsula, the Po Valley (Gallia Cisalpina), and the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Produced as part of the "Spruner-Menke Atlas Antiquus" by Karl Spruner von Merz and edited by Theodorus Menke, this map reflects the 19th-century European scholarship on ancient geography and history. The period represented is likely during the Roman Republic or early Roman Empire, suggested by the level of detail in regions like Latium and Campania, which were central to Roman culture and power. This era was marked by Roman expansion and consolidation of the Italian peninsula, as well as the Punic Wars, which led to Roman dominance over the Mediterranean. What makes this map interesting is its: 1. **Rich Detail**: The map delineates the intricate network of Roman roads, cities, and colonies, showing the infrastructure that facilitated Roman administration and control. 2. **Strategic Locations**: It identifies strategic locations like harbors and passes, crucial for trade and military campaigns. 3. **Geographic Accuracy**: It reflects the geographical knowledge of the time, with an accurate representation of the topography that shaped the development of these regions. 4. **Cultural and Historical Sites**: Insets of important sites like Syracuse offer a closer look at places of historical significance. 5. **Educational Purpose**: The map was designed to aid in the study of Roman history, providing a visual tool for understanding the ancient world. Maps like this were essential for education in the 19th century, offering a window into the ancient world and helping scholars and students visualize the vast scope of Roman influence and the geography of the Mediterranean basin. See less