1599 Dutch Fleet in Bay on Bantam, Java

XV Was es mit der Meerpforte Schiff-ftell/und der Statt Bantam… By: Theodor de Bry Date: 1599 (circa) Amsterdam Dimensions: 11.75 x 8 inches (30 cm x 20.3 cm)  This antique map is from plate XV in the series, depicts the frigates of one of the first Dutch fleets to reach Java, with the vessels anchored offshore and crews in rowboats approaching a fortified port identified in the text as Bantam (modern-day Banten), which was the great pepper port of Java at the time. The map is detailed and points out the difficulties of reaching the port, denoting shoals and rocks which block entrance to it. Islands are also clearly defined. The depth of the sea is noted in fathoms, from the shoreline in an oval shaped around the fleet and back to shore, varying from one to ten fathoms. De Bry’s immediate written impressions of Java were of its Muslim character. This interesting antique map by Theodor de Bry was composed by him according to stories and illustrations of European expeditions and explorat