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An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.

Early 17th century map of Asia, with annotations in Latin naming the major countries, islands and cities. Maritime Southeast Asia is shown as an archipelago of many small islands. Latin text on the reverse describes the region.

This 17th century map features a number of mythical lakes once thought to exist in southern China. One of these lakes (‘Chiamai Lac’) feeds three rivers—labelled ‘Menan’, ‘Manthabam’ and ‘Cosmin’—which flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.

The island of Java was initially labelled on this map as ‘Iaua Minor’ (Java Minor), but this was altered to ‘Iaua Maior’ (Java Major), reflecting the common confusion over the names at the time. Sumatra and Borneo were both similarly mis-labelled.

Early 17th century map of Asia, with annotations in Latin naming the major countries, islands and cities. Maritime Southeast Asia is shown as an archipelago of many small islands. French text on the reverse describes crops and animals of the region.

A white banner at the right features text that notes that the ‘Insule Molucce’ (Maluku Islands) are famous for their abundance of spices, which are sold across the world. There are also Illustrations of mermaids and sea monsters wrecking a ship.

The title of this late 16th century map of Asia translates from Latin as 'Asia the largest part of the world'. There is German text on the back of the map giving a description of Asia.

Latin text written on New Guinea explains that it is uncertain whether it is an island or part of ‘Australis’ (‘southern land’) a name that was used for a continent thought to exist in the region (and after which Australia was eventually named).

Unusually, north is located to the left of this map of East Asia, rather than the top. The text notes that shallows and reefs are marked, and that the map is based on the explorations of Portuguese ships. Illustrations include sea monsters and ships.

Rivers and major settlements are the main feature of this colourful early map of Asia. Italian text gives further details about the region.

Early map by Giovanni Antonio Magini, based on the work of the 2nd century geographer Ptolemy. It is difficult to pinpoint exact locations, but the area labelled ‘India Extra Ganges [India beyond the Ganges]’ could include some of modern Myanmar.

A white banner at the right features text that notes that the ‘Insule Molucce’ (Maluku Islands) are famous for their abundance of spices, which are sold across the world. There are also Illustrations of mermaids and sea monsters wrecking a ship.