1596 Descrittione dell’Egitto, con quella della Trogloditica sua vicina. Ægyptus.
DESCRIPTION
This is a superb example of an early map of Egypt by Giovanni Antonio Magini, published in his Geografia, one of the earliest modern Italian atlases. Issued in the late 16th century and reprinted into the early 17th century, it marks a transitional period in cartography, combining classical geographic traditions with emerging Renaissance knowledge.
The map centers on the Nile River, shown dividing into its delta before reaching the Mediterranean. Cities such as Alexandria and Cairo are identified alongside ancient and biblical sites, deserts, and mountain ranges. The map extends to include the Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea, and parts of Libya and Nubia, with finely engraved place names and decorative elements that enhance both clarity and visual appeal.
Text and Historical Context
The Italian text below, “Descritione dell’Egitto,” describes Egypt as a land celebrated by classical and sacred writers, emphasizing the Nile as its defining feature. A cartouche in the lower left provides a classical account of the pyramids drawn from Herodotus, including their dimensions and the well-known reference to provisions supplied to their builders. The map shows the continued influence of Claudius Ptolemy while incorporating newer information from Renaissance exploration, illustrating the shift toward a more modern geographic understanding.
CONDITION
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