Search

In the 18th century, European maps tended to use their own country’s meridian, so on this French map of Southeast Asia longitude is measured from the Paris Meridian. Eleven different scales are also shown.

This map shows the empires and kingdoms of Southeast Asia. Its decorative cartouche features drawings of plants, a camel, a vase, and the heads of children blowing to represent wind. An inset shows tall buildings, possibly Asian temples.

This map shows the empires and kingdoms of Southeast Asia. Its decorative cartouche features drawings of plants, a camel, a vase, and the heads of children blowing to represent wind. An inset shows tall buildings, possibly Asian temples.

The 20 colourful illustrations around the border of this 18th century map of Asia depict a variety of historical and biblical scenes, including the Crucifixion of Jesus and the sacking of Troy. Each scene has a description in French and Spanish.

On this late 18th century map, the modern nation states of mainland Southeast Asia can be seen emerging: Myanmar (here labelled Ava), Laos, Vietnam (Tong-King and Cochinchine), Cambodia (Camboge), Thailand (Siam) and Malaysia (Malaca).

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

The regional borders of early 18th century Southeast Asia are shown on this map. Mountains are shown pictorially, and larger settlements are marked with a red building symbol. Southern Borneo is labelled ‘Pays des Mahometans [Land of the Muslims]’.

The regional borders of early 18th century Southeast Asia are shown on this map. Mountains are shown pictorially, and larger settlements are marked with a red building symbol. Southern Borneo is labelled ‘Pays des Mahometans [Land of the Muslims]’.