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This mid-17th century map features three long rivers flowing south through mainland Southeast Asia. Their source is a lake named ‘Chiamai Lacus’, which was one of a number of mythical lakes once thought to exist in southern China.

This map of the islands between Borneo and New Guinea features inset maps of the important spice trading islands (‘Spice Islands’): ‘Les Isles Molucques’ (Maluku Islands) and ‘Isles de Banda’ (Banda Islands).

French text on the right of this map notes that the ‘Molucques’—an important region for the spice trade—were near the island of Gilolo (modern Halmahera) and names them as Ternate, Tindor (Tidore), Mutir (Moti), Machiam (Makian) and Bachian (Bacan).

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.