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Two maps showing the distribution of rodent and ruminant animal species, including in Southeast Asia. Lines show the geographical range of individual species, alongside illustrations of the animals featured.

This mid-18th century map of Asia features a drawing of religious imagery: Asian people are seen making offerings to two figures, including the Greek god Poseidon (or the Roman god Neptune), and kneeling as cherubs descend from the sky.

Map of the Indian Ocean dominated by a rhumbline network—a web of interconnected lines used to help plot routes—with a compass rose at the centre. At the top there are (incomplete) drawings of people with text in Dutch, French, English and Spanish.

The cartouche on this early 18th century navigation map features the title in Latin and Dutch, as well as a wealth of detailed drawings illustrating the region’s trade: Asian merchants, their goods and animals, and two female European customers.

The illustration on this map highlights the wealth of the Asian trade routes, with merchants wearing colourful and elaborate robes presenting valuable treasures to a royal figure. A monkey, tortoise and camel emphasise the 'exoticism' of Asia.

The illustration on this map highlights the wealth of the Asian trade routes, with merchants wearing colourful and elaborate robes presenting valuable treasures to a royal figure. A monkey, tortoise and camel emphasise the 'exoticism' of Asia.

A richly illustrated circular map of the world, surrounded by a ring of stars and sky, and spread over four sheets. The corners contain drawings of Atlas and Hercules holding the Earth on their shoulders, and of various philosophers and astronomers.

Three sheets of a late 17th century map of Asia, with Southeast Asia on the third sheet. The oceans are decorated with drawings of sailing ships, and there is a detailed scene of Asian merchants, including a chained and kneeling slave and a camel.

Map of Asia illustrated with four large allegorical drawings representing the Dutch East India Company, by the Dutch Baroque artist Romeyn de Hooghe. Includes scenes of Asian merchants, the capturing of crocodiles and elephants, and mythology.

This map of Southeast Asia features a rhumbline network, a web of lines used to aid navigation. Coastal areas are detailed while interiors are mainly blank, and there are illustrations of sailing ships, reinforcing the maritime focus of this map.

This map of Southeast Asia features a rhumbline network, a web of lines used to aid navigation. Coastal areas are detailed while interiors are mainly blank, and there are illustrations of sailing ships, reinforcing the maritime focus of this map.

This map by Athanasius Kircher shows the ‘hydrophylacium’ of Asia, a mythical subterranean ocean that Kircher thought fed rivers and caused tides. Illustrations of Neptune, the god of the sea, and cherubs playing in water continue the aquatic theme.