Antique Map of Ancient Empires Imperiorum Antiquorum by Wilkinson, 1821

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Antique Map of Ancient Empires – Imperiorum Antiquorum, Wilkinson 1821 This finely engraved and beautifully hand-colored antique map titled Imperiorum … Read more Antique Map of Ancient Empires – Imperiorum Antiquorum, Wilkinson 1821 This finely engraved and beautifully hand-colored antique map titled Imperiorum Antiquorum (Ancient Empires) presents a sweeping classical view of Europe, North Africa, and the Near East as understood through the historical lens of ancient authors. Published in London on January 1st, 1821 by the respected cartographer and publisher Robert Wilkinson, the map formed part of his influential Atlas Classica, an educational atlas created to illustrate the geography of the classical world. Wilkinson’s Atlas Classica was produced during a period of renewed European scholarly fascination with the civilizations of antiquity. Scholars, historians, and students sought to visualize the territories described by Greek and Roman writers such as Herodotus, Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy. This map reflects that intellectual movement by presenting the political geography of the Mediterranean world and adjacent regions as they appeared during the era of the great classical empires. The map spans a wide geographic range from the Atlantic Ocean and the British Isles in the west across continental Europe and the Mediterranean basin to the Near East and Persia in the east. North Africa is shown in detail along the southern Mediterranean shore, while the Black Sea, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia anchor the eastern half of the composition. Regions are labeled with their classical Latin names, including Britannia, Gallia, Hispania, Germania, Italia, Graecia, Dacia, Thracia, Asia Minor, Armenia, Mesopotamia, Media, and Persia. North Africa includes Mauretania, Numidia, and the lands surrounding Carthage, while the Levant and eastern Mediterranean include Syria, Phoenicia, and Palestine. Important bodies of water such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus), and the Caspian Sea are carefully delineated. One of the most fascinating features of the map appears in the upper right corner: a large chronological chart titled Tabula Regnorum Chronologica. This ingenious table visually tracks the rise and fall of major ancient powers through time. Using color-coded blocks, the chart indicates which regions were controlled by civilizations such as the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans across successive historical periods. The graphic effectively transforms the map into both a geographic and historical teaching tool. The engraving is executed with the crisp precision characteristic of early nineteenth-century British cartography. Subtle contemporary hand coloring distinguishes the different ancient regions, enhancing both clarity and decorative appeal. The overall aesthetic balances scholarly utility with visual elegance, making the map equally attractive to historians, collectors, and interior designers. This example is an original antique map printed in 1821 with original hand coloring applied at the time of publication. It is not a modern reproduction. Any 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 occasional 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 fillet along the inner mat edge highlights the warm tones of the antique paper and the delicate hand coloring. Such a presentation works particularly well in a study, library, or classical interior setting. See less