1649 HELGELANDIA Helgelandt in annis Christi 800, 1300 & 1649
By: Johannes Blaeu
Date: 1666 (circa) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 17 x 11 inches (43 x 28 cm)
This map by Johannes Blaeu illustrates the impact of flooding on Helgelandia (modern day Heligoland), in the southeast corner of the North Sea. The area depicted is a small archipelago consisting of two islands which are located approximately thirty miles from mainland Germany.
The two islands were connected until severe flooding in 1720 resulted in their current topography. The upper map shows the two higher parts of the islands as they appeared in 1649. These elevated points correspond to some degree to the shape of the islands today. The map below shows changes of the area over the centuries, including the shape of the island in the year 800 CE. There is descriptive text on the verso.
Historical chronicles describe Helgelandia as having been used as a sanctuary by Radbod, the last Frisian king, who went there in 697 following defeat by the Franks. The chronicles further state that the area was populated in 1030 to the extent that there were nine parishes, each having its own church. Of these, seven were swept away by catastrophic flooding which occurred in 1202 and 1216. The remaining two were destroyed by flooding in 1362 which also decimated the population.
Over the ages, the islands were used for a variety of purposes, often military in nature. Helgelandia is now a holiday resort which enjoys tax exempt status.
Condition: This map is in A condition with some faint foxing along the left side. Color is old and beautiful over a strong print impression.
Inventory #12386
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