Table of Contents: Ancient Assyria Map
- Ancient Assyria Map
- Map of the Countries mentioned in the Bible – Chambers Brothers (1869)
- Carte de l’Arabie – Anonymous (Possibly 18th century)
- Carte de la Terre Sainte – Drioux & Leroy (1869)
- Wandeling der Apostelen – Claes Jansz. Visscher (1642)
- De gelegentheyt van ‘t Paradijs ende ‘t Landt van Canaan – Nicolaes Visscher (1657)
The maps discussed here—spanning from 1642 to 1869—not only reflect European cartographic traditions but also inadvertently reveal the enduring legacy of ancient Near Eastern empires, particularly the Assyrian Empire, in shaping perceptions of sacred and political geography. For instance, Nicolaes Visscher’s 1657 map (De gelegentheyt van ‘t Paradijs) includes regions like Aramesia—a term rooted in the Assyrian-controlled Aramean kingdoms (9th–7th centuries BCE)—demonstrating how biblical cartography preserved Assyrian-era territorial divisions. Similarly, the anonymous 18th-century Arabian map labels the “MER ERYTHREE” (Erythraean Sea), a term first used in Assyrian trade records to denote the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.
The Chambers’ 1869 Holy Land map, while Victorian in execution, still demarcates Assyria’s historical sphere of influence, echoing imperial boundaries from the Neo-Assyrian period (911–609 BCE). Even Visscher’s 1642 Apostle Paul map indirectly engages with Assyrian history, as Paul’s travels through Syria and Anatolia traversed lands once ruled by Assyrian governors. These maps, though created millennia after Assyria’s fall, perpetuate its geographic frameworks, proving how deeply Assyrian administrative borders, trade routes, and terminology became embedded in later Greco-Roman, Islamic, and European cartography. Far from neutral, these works are palimpsests of imperial memory, where 17th-century Dutch engravers and 19th-century French scholars unknowingly replicated the spatial logic of an empire that dominated the Near East three thousand years prior.
Maps of the World
Ancient Assyria Map
Map of the Countries mentioned in the Bible – Chambers Brothers (1869)
| * | Creator: William and Robert Chambers (publisher) |
| * | Publication Year: 1869 |
| * | Region Depicted: Biblical lands (Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, North Africa) |
| * | Key Features: Labeled towns, rivers, mountain ranges; insets of the ancient Hebrew world and Noah’s descendants |
| * | Decorative Elements: Hand-colored regions, ornate typography |
A 1869 map of Biblical regions by William and Robert Chambers
“This 1869 map, produced by William and Robert Chambers for their encyclopedia, illustrates countries and regions referenced in the Bible, including the Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, and North Africa. Prominent towns, rivers (e.g., the Jordan River), and mountain ranges (e.g., Mount Ararat) are labeled in English.
The map features two smaller insets: one showing the world as known to ancient Hebrews, and another depicting the dispersal of Noah’s descendants post-Flood according to Genesis. The color palette is muted, with landmasses in tan, green, and pink, and water in blue. The title appears at the top in ornate typography, though the cartographer’s name is unspecified.”
Carte de l’Arabie – Anonymous (Possibly 18th century)
| * | Attribution: Unknown (likely French cartographer) |
| * | Estimated Period: 18th century |
| * | Region Depicted: Arabian Peninsula and adjacent lands |
| * | Key Features: Labels in French (e.g., “ARABIE PETREE,” “ARABIE DESERTE,” “ARABIE HEUREUSE“) Notable geographic terms: “MEDITERRANEE,” “MER ERYTHREE“ Stylistic hallmarks of 18th-century European cartography |
| * | Decorative Elements: Typical of the period (e.g., ornate lettering, possible cartouches or compass roses – if visible). |
An 18th-century map of the Arabian Peninsula
This likely French-origin map reflects Enlightenment-era geographic conventions, dividing Arabia into classical regions (Petree, Deserte, Heureuse). The use of French terminology suggests circulation among European scholars or colonial interests. While authorship remains uncertain, the map aligns with 1700s cartographic trends: blending partial accuracy with enduring classical nomenclature. Although not specifically an Assyria Map, the empire is labelled in the mid area.
Note on Attribution:
Due to missing publisher/artist credits, identification relies on stylistic analysis. Comparable works include maps by d’Anville or Delisle, though no direct link is confirmed.
Carte de la Terre Sainte – Drioux & Leroy (1869)
| * | Creators: Mm. Drioux et Ch. Leroy |
| * | Publication Year: 1869 |
| * | Publisher: Librairie C. Stock, Paris |
| * | Region Depicted: Holy Land (Palestine, Israel and surrounding biblical territories) |
| * | Key Features: -Historical and geographical demarcations of biblical lands -Labels in French reflecting 19th-century Catholic scholarship -Likely includes sacred sites, ancient tribes and pilgrimage routes |
| * | Decorative Elements: Characteristic of 19th-century French religious cartography (e.g., ornate borders, possible vignettes of holy sites) |
A 16th-century historical map depicting the Mediterranean Sea, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
This map from “The Holy Land in Geography and in History” reflects French Catholic perspectives on biblical geography during the late Ottoman period. Created by Drioux and Leroy for academic audiences, it merges scriptural references with contemporary 19th-century geographic knowledge. The work exemplifies European attempts to systematize sacred geography during an era of growing archaeological interest in Palestine.
Publication Context:
Published by Librairie Stock, a notable 19th-century French publisher of religious and educational works. The map likely accompanied textual analysis of biblical history.
Wandeling der Apostelen – Claes Jansz. Visscher (1642)
| * | Creator: Claes Janszoon Visscher |
| * | Year: 1642 |
| * | Region Depicted: Mediterranean Basin (Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa) including Black Sea (“Pontus Euxinus”/”Swarte Zee”) Assyria Map Depictions. |
| * | Region Depicted: Mediterranean area (Italy, Greece, Turkey, North Africa) |
| * | Primary Subject: Apostolic journeys of Paul |
| Key Features: -Annotated routes of Pauline voyages -Dual Latin/Dutch nomenclature (e.g., “Mare Nigrum”/”Swarte Zee”) -Topographical details of biblical cities and sea routes | |
| Decorative Elements: -Narrative border vignettes. Depicting Pauline episodes -Baroque cartouches and sailing vessels -Allegorical figures typical of Dutch Golden Age cartography |
A 1642 biblical journey map by Visscher
This rare Dutch engraving merges sacred geography with 17th-century navigation knowledge. Visscher’s work translates Acts of the Apostles into spatial form, plotting Pauline missions across Roman provinces while retaining period geography (e.g., “Asia” for Anatolia). The Black Sea labeling reflects contemporary Dutch trade interests. Border illustrations – likely showing Damascus Road conversion or shipwreck events – enhance didactic purpose for Protestant audiences.
Historical Significance:
Exemplifies Visscher’s signature combination of decorative flourish and theological cartography during Amsterdam’s mapmaking zenith. Comparable to his Tabula Sacra series. Assyria Map portion is highlighted in red.
Distinctive Attributes:
Wayfinding: Overland routes unusually detailed for maritime-focused era
Provenance: Unmistakable Visscher style (floral cartouches, stipple seas)
Bilingual Labels: Shows Dutch Calvinist engagement with Latin tradition
De gelegentheyt van ‘t Paradijs ende ‘t Landt van Canaan – Nicolaes Visscher (1657)
| * | Creator: Nicolaes Visscher I (1618-1679) |
| * | Year: 1657 |
| * | Publisher: Likely published in Amsterdam |
| * | Region Depicted: Biblical Holy Land with conceptual Paradise |
| * | Key Features: -Composite biblical geography merging Genesis and Exodus narratives -Labeled regions: Aramesia, Syria, Arabia, Canaan -Four rivers of Paradise (Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, Euphrates) -Dutch place names with Latin influences |
| * | Decorative Elements: -Elaborate Baroque cartouche (likely featuring Adam and Eve) -Possibly includes vignettes of biblical scenes -Stylized topography with mountain ranges and river systems |
| * | Influence: Dominated cartography for over a thousand years. |
| * | Precursor: Builds upon earlier maps (e.g., Anaximander of Miletus). |
Nicolaes Visscher’s 1657 Map of Assyria
Nicolaes Visscher’s 1657 map, “De gelegentheyt van ‘t Paradijs ende ‘t Landt van Canaan,” presents a rich blend of biblical narrative and 17th-century Dutch cartography. Depicting the Holy Land as both a geographical reality and a theological concept, it situates regions like Aramesia, Syria, and Arabia within a framework that includes the legendary Earthly Paradise, complete with the four rivers of Genesis.
The map reflects the Visscher family’s signature craftsmanship, combining Baroque decorative elements—such as ornate cartouches and possible Edenic vignettes—with evolving geographic precision. Rooted in a tradition dating back to the 6th-century Madaba Mosaic, this work exemplifies how Dutch Golden Age mapmakers reconciled religious tradition with emerging empirical knowledge, catering to both pious and scholarly audiences. Its detailed toponyms and symbolic geography offer insight into how early modern Europe visualized sacred history.