Alexandria, Vetustissimum Aegypti Emporium, Amplissima

Title/Content of Map: Alexandria, Vetustissimum Aegypti Emporium, Amplissima Civitas .Penon de Veles
Date: 1572
Cartographer: Braun & Hogenberg
Material/Medium: Paper
Size: 19.75 x 15.25 inches
Provenance: Classical IMages Dec 2003 Australia

Alexandriais depicted as a sprawling, formidably fortified town, crisscrossed by multiple arms of the river and where few buildings, but many ruins, stand. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great on the Nile Delta and, under the Ptolemaic Empire, was extended to become the capital of Egypt. In the 16th century Alexandria was still used as a commercial port, but it lost its political and economic importance after its capture by the Arabs in AD 642. During its heyday the city was renowned in particular for both its culture and science: the library of Alexandria was the largest in the ancient world, and was affiliated with the Musaeum, a celebrated school of philology. The lighthouse at Alexandria, the Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,is also identifiable on a peninsula to the left. Today, with 3.87 milion residents, Alexandriais once again a major international commercial port due to its location on the Suez Canal. (Taschen) TRANSLATION OF CARTOUCHE TEXT: Alexandria , ancient Egyptian centre of trade, a huge town, founded by Alexander the Great; it was built in 320 BC with walls, towers and fortifications; once magnificent and even today well fortified, but inside its walls full of ruins and rubble, itis comparable in size to Paris. COMMENTARY BY BRAUN (on verso): "Alexandriais rectangular in shape and has four gates. The first leads toward the Nile, the next to the south toward the lake, the third to the west toward the desert, the fourth toward the Mediterranean; where the harbouris located. Toll keepers and common servants search travellers there down to their skin since duty must be paid not only on their wares but also on every last cent they carry."

This Auctionis for the UNFRAMED map only! This itemis currently custom framed with high quality wood and acid free materials. The map is set between two pieces of glass which serve a dual purpose, for conservation allowing it to be viewed, it also allows the verso on the backside of the map to be read. If you would like to purchase this map as it is conservation framed please message the auctioneers the additional cost is $390.00 Frame size 28.5w x 24.5h inches

Reserve: $450.00

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Condition Report: Overall Quality - Fine; Paper Thickness and Quality - light and stable; Paper Color - Off White; Age of map color - Later; General color appearance - Authentic