1599 Bird's Eye View of Bantam, Java

Wie die Statt Bantam gelegen This copper plate engraving by Theodor de Bry was composed by him according to stories and illustrations of European expeditions and explorations that were being made at the end of the sixteenth century.  This antique map is plate XVII in the series of Bantam in Java, across the straits separating it from Sumatra. It illustrates the layout of the city, a sultanate, in great detail. The city is enclosed by great walls on all sides, and further fortified by a moat which extends completely around the perimeter and waterways which also dissect the city into separate regions, with the wealthiest areas being best fortified. A large mosque stands near what appear to be religious schools, several estates consisting of large households are depicted, and the outer walls of nearly all the buildings appear windowless, providing extra defense. Another mosque stands outside the main city wall, but inside what appears to be a very high and well-built fence. On the opposit