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A map of a small island chain off the west coast of the island of Gilolo (modern Halmahera in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia). The military forts and ships were used by the European colonial powers during conflicts over the area’s spice trade.

This small island chain off the west coast of Gilolo (Halmahera in the Maluku Islands, Indonesia), was an important area for the spice trade. Latin text on the reverse describes the trade/islands. North is located to the right, rather than the top.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

Two drawings and text from ‘Rerum et urbis Amstelodamensium historia’ by Johannes Pontanus: the port and town of Gamme Lamme on the island of Ternate, with local and European vessels; and a naval battle between Dutch and Portuguese ships.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

This early 17th century map features a drawing of contact between Portuguese/Spanish colonialists and a local ruler. Set on the island of Ternate—one of the Moluccas or ‘Spice Islands’—it reminds us of the importance of the spice trade at this time.

A map featuring drawings of plants used to make spices in the Moluccas or Spice Islands: Nux Myristica (nutmeg), Cariophilorum arbor (cloves), Santalum flavum (yellow sandalwood), Santalum rubrum (red sandalwood), Santalum album (Indian sandalwood).

This 1550 map by the German cartographer Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) was based on the work of the 2nd century geographer Ptolemy. There are many inaccuracies, especially in scale and the locations of mountain ranges, but the region is recognisable.

This 1550 map by the German cartographer Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) was based on the work of the 2nd century geographer Ptolemy. There are many inaccuracies, especially in scale and the locations of mountain ranges, but the region is recognisable.

This 1540 map by the German cartographer Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) was based on the work of the 2nd century geographer Ptolemy. On the reverse, there is Latin text giving details of the area, including crops grown.