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On this map of Asia, colours are used to show the colonial territories of the European powers: cities in the Philippines are underlined in blue, indicating they are Spanish; the Dutch East Indies are in yellow (Dutch); and Singapore is red (British).

The colonial possessions of Britain (in red, though faded on this map), the Netherlands (green, but discoloured to blue) and Spain (the Philippines, brown) are shown on this map, with independent areas such as Borneo and the Maluku Islands in yellow.

On this map of Asia, borders are outlined and cities underlined in different colours to show the colonial territories of the European powers: Russian, British, Dutch, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Danish.

On this map of Asia, borders are outlined and cities underlined in different colours to show the colonial territories of the European powers: Russian, British, Dutch, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Danish.

Map charting the three expeditions of the British Royal Navy captain James Cook, including HMS Endeavour’s journey via Batavia (Jakarta) in 1770, and HMS Resolution’s journey through the South China Sea (after Cook’s death) in 1779.

On this map of Asia, borders are outlined and cities underlined in different colours to show the colonial territories of the European powers: e.g. at this time, Benkulen (Bencoolen) on the west coast of Sumatra is British, and Malacca is Dutch.

On this map of Asia, borders are outlined and cities underlined in different colours to show the colonial territories of the European powers: e.g. at this time, Benkulen (Bencoolen) on the west coast of Sumatra is British, and Malacca is Dutch.

This map of Asia is dedicated to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, and features a drawing of his coat of arms. He had been in line to succeed to the English throne, but died at the age of 11 in 1700, the year before this map was produced.

The Latin title of this map translates as ‘Map of Today's Asia’, and reflects the knowledge of the region in the very early 18th century. Although lacking detail in Southeast Asia, the map does show the major islands and some cities.

Dotted lines on this late 17th century map demarcate regions and kingdoms (which also have a crown symbol). The cartouche is shaped like a giant shell supported by mermen, with cherubs holding up shells and pearls on top.