1550 Von den Landern Asie
By: Sebastian Münster
Date: 1550 (circa) Basel
Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.5 inches (19 x 16.5 cm)
This fascinating map of the Middle East and Arabia is an early edition from the masterful oeuvre by Münster, Geographia. For its time, it is remarkably accurate, with the shapes of land masses recognizable, and toponyms suggesting the use of reports made by explorers and tradesmen of the day.
The region in the northwest corner of the map is labeled with a variation of its ancient toponym, Palus Maeotis. This is an area of swampland which includes the Sea of Azov, which was home to a people called Maeotians who lived in the area and along the shores of the sea. Just below Azov is the Black Sea with its historic toponym, Pontus Euxinus. Modern Turkey’s Cappadocia is shown to the south of the Black Sea. Across a mountain range to the east is Armenia. Other toponyms include Mesopotamia, Media, Persepolis, the Arabian Peninsula , Syria, Sogdiana and Scythia to name a few.
Mountain ranges and river systems are shown. The Persian gulf regions includes the drainage systems of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The Oxus River (modern Amu Darya) is shown making its way across central Asia. Many mountain ranges are depicted, and the northwestern portion of the Indian Ocean is included. The city of Alexandria in Asia, founded by Alexander the Great is shown pictorially, as are the few other cities in the map, including Persepolis. A corner of Ethiopia is included across the waters of the Red Sea from the ancient Arabian port city of Ocelis. Descriptive German text is found below map and on the verso.
Condition: This map is in B condition. Small areas of faded imagery. Minor separations in two places of the edge.
Inventory #12920
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