1574 Ancona.

This map presents one of the earliest obtainable bird’s eye views of the ancient Italian port city of Ancano, perched on the ‘elbow’ of Italy on the Adriatic coast, famous for having one of the finest natural harbors in southern Europe. This view conveys an impressive picture of the city's distinctively regular, nearly symmetrical layout and of the city’s marvelous fortifications including walls and moats as well as natural geographic formations which also serve to fortify the city. While traces of Paleolithic and Neolithic cultures have been discovered, documenting the great antiquity of the site, it is first noted in history as having been founded in the 4th c BC by Greek colonists from Syracuse, who named the city. Translation of cartouche text: “Ancona, famous city in Picenum on the Adriatic, is embellished by a most excellent harbour: there is namely none more commodious or spacious in all Italy. It takes its name from its location, which resembles the crook of an elbow. It is fam