Antique Map of Central Italy and Early Roman Empire by Wilkinson, 1801

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Antique map of central italy & early roman empire – wilkinson c.1800 this finely engraved and beautifully hand-colored antique map … Read more Antique map of central italy & early roman empire – wilkinson c.1800 this finely engraved and beautifully hand-colored antique map titled romani imperii primordia et recentiora presents the historical heartland of the early roman world in central italy. Published in london by the respected cartographer and map publisher robert wilkinson around the early nineteenth century, the map formed part of his scholarly atlas classica, an influential atlas created to illustrate the geography described by classical authors. The title translates to “origins and later times of the roman empire,” reflecting the map’s purpose as a visual guide to the formative territories and regional divisions that shaped the rise of rome. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, european scholars and educators were deeply engaged with classical history, and wilkinson’s atlas was designed as an educational tool to accompany the study of ancient roman civilization. The map focuses on the italian peninsula surrounding rome, extending from etruria in the northwest across latium and sabina to picenum along the adriatic coast. Numerous ancient regions are carefully delineated and highlighted with contemporary hand coloring, including etruria, umbria, sabini, latium, campania, samnium, picenum, vestini, marrucini, peligni, and frentani. These divisions reflect the complex political and tribal landscape of central italy before and during rome’s rise to dominance. Rome itself appears prominently near the center of the map, surrounded by an intricate network of ancient towns and settlements. Classical place names such as veii, tibur (tivoli), praeneste, arpinum, beneventum, and capua appear throughout the composition. Roman roads and geographic features are carefully engraved, providing a vivid sense of how the region was understood through the lens of classical sources. Two great seas frame the peninsula: to the west lies mare tuscum sive tyrrhenum (the tuscan or tyrrhenian sea), while to the east appears the adriaticum mare (adriatic sea). Mountain ranges, rivers, and coastal details are delicately engraved, creating a balanced and scholarly representation of ancient italian geography. The map was engraved by j. Roper, whose crisp line work and precise lettering give the sheet a refined character typical of early nineteenth-century british cartography. Subtle original hand coloring distinguishes the ancient regions and enhances the decorative appeal of the map while maintaining its scholarly clarity. Today the map appeals to collectors of antique maps, historians of the roman world, and designers seeking historically rich decorative works. It provides a compelling visual reconstruction of the territories surrounding rome during the formative centuries of roman expansion. This example is an original antique map printed in the early nineteenth century with original hand coloring applied at the time of publication. It is not a modern reproduction. Any presentation images showing the map framed are for visual inspiration only. The map is supplied unframed. Condition: good antique condition with attractive original hand coloring. Light age toning and minor handling marks consistent with age. The sheet retains generous margins suitable for framing. Framing tips: this map displays beautifully in a dark walnut, ebonized, or gilded frame with a wide ivory or museum-white mat. A subtle gold inner fillet complements the warm tones of the antique paper and highlights the delicate hand coloring, creating an elegant presentation suitable for a study, library, or classical interior. Keyword block: romani imperii primordia et recentiora, roman empire map, ancient rome map, central italy map, latium map, etruria map, picenum map, campania map, samnium map, sabina map, umbria map, vestini, marrucini, peligni, frentani, tyrrhenian sea map, adriatic sea map, mare tuscum, mare tyrrhenum, adriaticum mare, rome antique map, atlas classica map, robert wilkinson map, london classical map, j roper engraver, roman roads map, roman cities map, veii, tibur, praeneste, beneventum, capua, ancient italian geography, classical antiquity cartography, antique italy map, hand colored antique map, copperplate engraved map technique: copperplate engraving with original hand color maker: robert wilkinson, london, early 19th century (engraved by j. Roper) See less