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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.

The written notes on this map describe the discovery and conquest of the Philippines by the Spanish, and also emphasise the importance of trade in the region. Illustrations of trading ships on the sea reinforce the trade theme.

This early 17th century map features a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Cayamay Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.

This late 16th/early 17th century map by Abraham Ortelius features a number of mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Cayamay Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia.

Map of Asia featuring mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Caÿamaÿ Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia. Carvings of people and animals decorate the cartouche.

Map of Asia featuring mythical lakes that were once thought to exist in southern China—including ‘Caÿamaÿ Lacus’—and which feed several rivers that flow south through mainland Southeast Asia. Carvings of people and animals decorate the cartouche.