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Map of Asia from the second volume of ‘Navigantium atque itinerantium bibliotheca: or, A compleat collection of voyages and travels: consisting of above four hundred of the most authentick writers’ published by John Harris in 1705.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the French cartographer Guillaume Delisle (1675–1726). Regions are indicated with coloured borders, and the southern part of Borneo is labelled ‘Côte de Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’.

The regional borders of early 18th century Southeast Asia are shown on this map. Mountains are shown pictorially, and larger settlements are marked with a red building symbol. Southern Borneo is labelled ‘Pays des Mahometans [Land of the Muslims]’.

The regional borders of early 18th century Southeast Asia are shown on this map. Mountains are shown pictorially, and larger settlements are marked with a red building symbol. Southern Borneo is labelled ‘Pays des Mahometans [Land of the Muslims]’.

This early 18th century map of Southeast Asia includes a list detailing the location (latitude and longitude) of seven important cities in the region: Batavia, Achem, Camboya, Siam, Borneo, Macaçar and Manilla.

Notes on the back of this map describe the kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia: religion (people are idolaters, a few Christians and Jews, many Muslims), royalty (kings are rich, people are unhappy) and geography (rivers render the lands fertile).

Notes on the back of this map describe the kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia: religion (people are idolaters, a few Christians and Jews, many Muslims), royalty (kings are rich, people are unhappy) and geography (rivers render the lands fertile).

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.

This early 18th century map of Batavia (Jakarta) shows an important port city, with military forts, a long pier, and many ships at sea. However, the map also shows a city surrounded by fields and plantations, for producing crops and grazing animals.

This early 19th century map is from a book titled ‘Mr. John Nieuhoff's Voyages’ in which the author reports on his travels to Southeast Asia, including a detailed description of the important port city of Batavia, as shown on the map.

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.

An early 18th century map of the Indian Ocean, illustrated with a drawing of Asian merchants riding an elephant and using a camel to transport their goods. Other men use bows and arrows to hunt ostriches. Ships are also shown sailing on the ocean.