1570-75 Palestinae sive totius Terrae Promissionis, Nova Descriptio

An original color example of the first map Abraham Ortelius published of the Holy Land. Appearing in one of the earliest editions of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, this map presents the region as it was known in the late 16th century, based on a work by Tilleman Stella. This remarkable work offers so exciting decorative and cartographic features. The map relays both biblical and modern geography and set the precedent for maps of the Holy Land for the next three centuries. As previously stated this map is the path taken by the Israelites from Ramses, across the Red Sea, past mount Sinai to Jericho. Numbers along the path indicate the nights spent to complete the journey. Biblical sites are depicted and the region is divided into the lands of the Twelve Tribes, Judeae and Samaria. The decorative elements of this map are some of the finest examples of Renaissance tradition, with elegant lettering, Ortelius's iconic depiction of ocean waves, the sailing ships, flute playing-satyrs, and some of t