Search

Four long rivers flow south through mainland Southeast Asia on this map: the ‘Menan’, ‘Manthabam’ and ‘Cosmin’ originate at a mythical lake (‘Chiamai Lacus’) in southern China, while the ‘Mecon’ (Mekong) flows from the hills of Cochinchina (Vietnam).

The city of Pegu (Bago, Myanmar), some other settlements, and a river named Martabam Auia are shown in the lower right of this 17th century map of Hindustan (Indian subcontinent). The genealogical seal of the Mughal emperors of India is top right.

The city of Pegu (Bago, Myanmar), some other settlements, and a river named Martabam Auia are shown in the lower right of this 17th century map of Hindustan (Indian subcontinent). The genealogical seal of the Mughal emperors of India is top right.

The city of Pegu (Bago, Myanmar), some other settlements, and a river named Martabam Auia are shown in the lower right of this 17th century map of Hindustan (Indian subcontinent). The genealogical seal of the Mughal emperors of India is top right.

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.

An early map of Southeast Asia featuring a rhumbline network, a web of lines to help plot routes and aid navigation. Where the lines meet, there is a compass rose with an arrow pointing north. The map is decorated with illustrations of sea monsters.

Two drawings and text from ‘Rerum et urbis Amstelodamensium historia’ by Johannes Pontanus: the port and town of Gamme Lamme on the island of Ternate, with local and European vessels; and a naval battle between Dutch and Portuguese ships.

An early 17th century map by the Flemish/Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius showing Asia and part of Europe and Africa. The Latin text on New Guinea translates as ‘Whether it is an island or the southern part of the continent is not yet certain’.

An early 17th century map by the Flemish/Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius showing Asia and part of Europe and Africa. The Latin text on New Guinea translates as ‘Whether it is an island or the southern part of the continent is not yet certain’.

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

Maps can sometimes record a single event: this map depicts an October 1603 battle between the Dutch and Portuguese, as they fought for control of the trade routes through the Singapore Straits. The text panel recounts the story of the battle.

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.