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The focus of this map of Java (‘Iava Maior’) is the line of settlements along the north coast of the island, including the important port of Bantem (‘Bantam’) at the northwest. In contrast, the interior of the island is almost completely blank.

Hand-drawn portolan (nautical) chart, featuring a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), bathymetry (sea depth), shoals and reefs, and names of coastal settlements, all to aid navigation. With a colourful compass rose.

This early 17th century map of the island of Bali shows palaces, settlements and possibly some temples. Ships can be seen at anchor around the coast. The map is from a Latin language book which includes text describing Bali.

The line of settlements along the north coast of Java—contrasting with the almost empty interior—show that this map’s focus is on the sea. The islands, shoals and reefs that are marked reinforce this idea.

The line of settlements along the north coast of Java—contrasting with the almost empty interior—show that this map’s focus is on the sea. The islands, shoals and reefs that are marked, and the drawings of ships, reinforce this idea.