1572 Cairus Quae Olim Babylon Aegypt Maxima Urbs
By: Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg
Date: 1572 (published) Cologne
Dimensions: 13 x 19 inches (33 x 48.25 cm)
This original antique map "Cairus Quae Olim Babylon Aegypt Maxima Urbs," created by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg in 1572, offers a fascinating glimpse into the historic city of Cairo during the 16th century. This detailed and meticulously crafted map is part of the renowned "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" atlas, which was one of the most significant cartographic works of its time.
The map depicts Cairo, referred to as "Cairus," which highlights its ancient association with the legendary city of Babylon in Egypt. The bird’s-eye view format showcases the city’s extensive urban layout, including its prominent buildings, streets, and landmarks. The Nile River is a prominent feature, flowing through the city and providing a lifeline for commerce and sustenance. The intricate network of streets and alleyways reflects the bustling nature of Cairo as a major trade and cultural hub. Key landmarks, such as mosques, palaces, and fortifications, are distinctly illustrated, offering a vivid snapshot of the city’s architectural grandeur.
Cairo in the 16th Century
In the 16th century, Cairo was a thriving metropolis and a center of commerce, culture, and learning in the Islamic world. Under the Mamluk Sultanate and later the Ottoman Empire, the city was a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, bustling with merchants, scholars, and travelers from various parts of the world. Cairo’s strategic location made it a vital link between Africa, Asia, and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and knowledge. The city was renowned for its impressive architecture, including grand mosques, madrasas (educational institutions), and bustling bazaars, which are vividly captured in Braun and Hogenberg’s map.
Georg Braun (1541-1622) was a German cleric and cartographer born in Cologne. He is best known as the principal editor of the "Civitates Orbis Terrarum," a monumental six-volume work published between 1572 and 1617. Braun’s role involved compiling and editing city maps and views from various contributors, providing descriptive texts, and ensuring the atlas's comprehensive coverage of notable cities across the globe. His work was instrumental in documenting the urban landscape of the Renaissance era, making significant contributions to the field of cartography.
Frans Hogenberg (c. 1535-1590) was a Flemish engraver, cartographer, and painter. Born in Mechelen, present-day Belgium, he became a prominent figure in the cartographic community of his time. Hogenberg was responsible for engraving many of the maps in the "Civitates Orbis Terrarum," bringing Braun’s vision to life with his artistic and technical skills. His detailed engravings were highly regarded for their accuracy and aesthetic appeal, making the atlas a valuable resource for both scholars and collectors.
Together, Braun and Hogenberg created one of the most important atlases of the Renaissance, capturing the essence of cities around the world with remarkable detail and artistry. Their work remains a valuable historical resource, offering insights into the urban development and cultural heritage of the 16th century.
Condition: This map is in B+ condition with original color and full margins on all sides. A centerfold separation is apparent but has been repaired on the verso, likely long ago.
Inventory #12830
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