Search

Interestingly, this map from the year 1700 shows the world as the Greeks and Romans knew it. Therefore, Southeast Asia is labelled as 'PARTS UNKNOWN TO THE ANCIENTS' and lacks place names e.g. Sumatra is named ‘Taprobana I. according to some’.

This late 16th/early 17th century map by Abraham Ortelius features a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Cayamay Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.

Map of Asia featuring mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Caÿamaÿ Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia. Carvings of people and animals decorate the cartouche.

Map of Asia featuring mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Caÿamaÿ Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia. Carvings of people and animals decorate the cartouche.