1638 La Rochelle.

This is another of Merian’s interesting bird’s eye views of a European city. This map depicts the ancient fortressed French town of La Rochelle, located on the Bay of Biscay, in which so many historical battles at sea have taken place. The map depicts the city’s remarkable defense system in detail, including double sets of walls around most of the city, and double sets of moats with towers strategically positioned to control traffic. Outlying farming areas are also delineated, and the map is embellished with a number of seagoing vessels of various sizes, and a compass rose. A key in the lower right quadrant provides identification of the city’s gates and towers. The city dates to pre-Roman times, and due to its location has enjoyed prosperity through much of its history. Already in Medieval times it was the largest port on the Atlantic coast, due largely to the influence of Eleanor of Aquitane and the Dukes of Aquitaine, and the opening of the English market in the mid twelfth century.