Map of Ancient Israel Description

The of ancient Israel map titled “Iudaeae seu terrae israelis tabula geographica,” meaning “Geographical depiction of Judea or the Land of Israel,” is a significant historical cartographic work attributed to Tilemann Stella Sigenensis. It was included in the renowned Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the first modern atlas, published by Abraham Ortelius in 1570. This 16th-century map focuses on depicting the Holy Land, with specific references to locations that hold importance in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Latin text on the map explicitly states its purpose: to accurately describe the most celebrated places from both testaments, crafted by the art of Tilemann Stella of Siegen.

Unconventionally oriented with east at the top, as indicated by the Latin terms “SEPTENTRIO” (North) at what we would typically consider the bottom of the map and “MERIDIES” (South) at the top, the map reflects a cartographic tradition where the East held a prominent position. Beyond its geographical and historical information, the map also incorporates decorative elements, including illustrations of figures and clusters of grapes situated in the lower right side. These embellishments were common in maps of this era, adding to their visual appeal and reflecting the artistic styles of the time. Tilemann Stella’s depiction of Judea within Ortelius’s atlas provides a valuable insight into the 16th-century understanding of the Holy Land, blending biblical tradition with contemporary cartographic techniques.

This map of Jerusalem, created in 1884 by the Turkish cartographer Ahmed-i Enveri, offers a detailed view of the city during the late Ottoman period, prior to significant modern urban expansion. The map presents Jerusalem with an unusual orientation, placing south at the top. Its detailed illustrations focus on the Old City, meticulously depicting its walls, the various gates providing access, and prominent landmarks such as the iconic Dome of the Rock.

The inclusion of inscriptions in Ottoman Turkish provides valuable linguistic and cultural context, offering insights into the terminology and understanding of Jerusalem within the Ottoman Empire at that time. Additionally, the presence of a decorative compass rose is a characteristic cartographic element, indicating directions. Ahmed-i Enveri’s map of ancient Israel serves as a significant historical document, providing a visual representation of Jerusalem in the late 19th century under Ottoman rule, capturing its urban layout and key architectural features before modern developments significantly altered its landscape.

The original Madaba Map, a remarkable artifact of early cartography, was created by unknown artists likely serving the Christian community of Madaba, a significant episcopal center in present-day Jordan, during the 6th century AD, within the Byzantine era. This map of Ancient Israel holds the distinction of being the oldest preserved cartographic depiction of the Holy Land. Originally forming part of an intricate mosaic floor within a Byzantine church in Madaba, it provided a geographical and possibly theological representation of the region significant to Christian faith.

Notably, in the 8th century, during the rule of the Muslim Umayyad Caliphate, certain figural motifs within the mosaic were deliberately removed, reflecting the changing religious and political landscape of the time. Despite these alterations, the Madaba Map remains an invaluable historical and artistic treasure, offering unparalleled insights into the 6th-century understanding and visualization of the Holy Land and the artistic techniques of the Byzantine period. Its existence as a mosaic floor further underscores the integration of cartography into religious and communal spaces during this era.

The map of ancient Israel titled “De heylige en wytvermaerde stadt Ierusalem, eerst genaemt Salem,” meaning “The holy and well-known city of Jerusalem, formerly named Salem,” is a cartographic work by Nicolaes Visscher (1618–1679), a prominent Dutch cartographer and engraver from a renowned family of artists. Likely created in the mid-17th century, this map offers a detailed representation of the city of Jerusalem during that era. A significant feature of Visscher’s map is the inclusion of a legend, which serves to identify various important sites and landmarks within the city walls.

The historical context provided further underscores the long and significant history of Jerusalem, noting its early settlements around 3500 BC, King David’s establishment of it as the capital of the Jewish kingdom in 1000 BC, and his son Solomon’s construction of the First Temple approximately 40 years later – a history that undoubtedly contributed to the city’s enduring importance and its frequent depiction in maps like Visscher’s. Sources and related content