1741 Homann (Harenberg) Map GREECE & MEDITERRANEAN

Imperii Turcici Europaei Terra, in primis Graecia cum confiniis

We are pleased to offer this scarce original map (Zacharakis 1067) of "The Turkish Empire in Europe, Mainly Greece and Surrounding Regions" from the firm of Homann Erben (Heirs), the leading German map publisher of the 18th century.  The map was compiled by the German scholar Johann Christoph Harenberg (1696-1774) who is believed to be the first writer to refer to the vampire legend as a political metaphor in writing of the “lebendigen Vampirs in allen Ständen,” warning that the reader should beware of rulers who "extract blood, goodness and courage from the people either from force or incompetence."    We digress.  The map is notable for its title cartouche which presents 23 images of coins of Ancient Greece making it one of the most sought after antiquarian maps for those interested in ancient numismatics:

We begin our survey of the map with the title cartouche which is topped with an Athenian Owl (Athene noctua) tetradrachm (III).  At right we find a medallion (II) of Alexander and his famous horse Bucephalus.  At top left is a Apollo/horseman type (I) in the name of Philip III Arrhidaeus (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ) with an unusual Theban coin below (IV).  The traditional pairing of Helios and a Rose (a pun on the Greek word Rhodos = Rose) appears at lower right (X).  An Alexandrian tetradrachm appears at lower left (VI) with the head of Heracles and Zeus with sceptre and eagle.  The popular "Boy on Dolphin" with Taras seated on his dolphin (XII) is present as is a standing Athena with Nike and shield and laureate head of Zeus (V).  A Macedon helmet and shield is also present (IX) with two Alexandrian coins above (VII & VIII) and a Zeus/Olympus medallion (XI).  Latin text for each coin is engraved in top margin of map:

Turning to the map itself we find that while the map covers the region that was then the European holdings of the Ottoman Empire as the title cartouche describes, Harenberg is in fact presenting a map of the region as it was constituted in the Roman Empire at the time of the New Testament, with placenames and provinces are given in the Latin form.  To get a sense of map detail consider that the distance from Byzantium/Constantinople to Ephesus as seen below measures just 8 cm actual size:

Note Mt. Aetna in eruption:

Greece and the Aegean:

Cyprus, Holy Land, Nile Delta:

Course of the Danube:

Map charts the travels of the Apostle Paul:

Condition - Please note carefully:   Map is in overall good condition as can be ascertained from photos, strong impression with distinct platemark, fine hand colour.  Map exhibits several areas of repaired tears/separations more or less parallel to centrefold, covering an area roughly equal to two thirds of centrefold.  Although scarcely noticeable without close examination or even magnification a few individual letters of several placenames are truncated.  The area most affected is Greece and Macedonia - please review the detail photo thereof and the repair can be seen passing through the "C" and "E" of "MACEDONIA" and extending south through the "p" in "Sparta".  The lower 5 cm of centrefold is also reattached in an old repair of separation with very slight misalignment of lower neatline as can be seen in photos.  Repaired tear to right margin just crossing into map and two minor repaired tears to bottom margin as can be seen in photo above. Some old manuscript underscores of placenames in Holy Land and Asia Minor and a minor area of abrasion is present in Libya.  Some trivial "as issued" excess printers ink in Black Sea, otherwise map image area largely pristine. Bottom margin somewhat frayed with lower right corner truncated.  Overall a well preserved and attractive example of a scarce map that will that will make an elegant presentation if matted and framed.  Inquiries welcome and we encourage you to visit our other auctions on eBay.

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