Münster, Sebastian. Nova Graecia. Basle, 1540. [Greece]

Sebastian Münster

Nova Graecia

Basle, ca. 1540

9 4/5 x 13 1/3 inches

[Greece]

Sebastian Münster

Nova Graecia

Basle, circa 1540. Among the Earliest Modern Maps of Greece

This beautifully hand-colored map of Greece is one of the early examples from a German edition of Sebastian Münster's *Cosmographia*, a highly influential geographical work of the 16th century.

First published in 1540 in Basle, Münster's *Geographia* marks a significant milestone in the cartographic history of the early modern era. Among its most remarkable pieces is the map of 'modern' Greece, a stunning artifact that serves not only as a geographical reference but also as a window into the socio-political landscape of the Mediterranean during the mid-16th century.

The map's coverage extends from present-day Greece to the Danube River, including parts of western Turkey and Asia Minor. This expansive view illustrates the far-reaching influence of the Hellenic world, which extended well beyond the borders of contemporary Greece.

Münster likely drew upon the work of earlier cartographers, especially Sophianos, a prominent Greek scholar and cartographer whose maps of Greece and its surrounding regions were considered among the most accurate and comprehensive of the time.

Adrianapolis, or Edirne, was a key city in the region of Thrace, serving as an important military and political center for the Ottoman Empire following its conquest in 1369. It even functioned as the Ottoman capital until the fall of Constantinople.

Nicopolis, established by Augustus in 31 BC to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Actium, was a significant center in Roman Greece. Its ruins are now near the modern city of Preveza.

Constantinople, known today as Istanbul, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire in succession, underscoring its crucial role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.

Pera (now Beyoğlu in Istanbul) and Chalcedon (present-day Kadıköy) were integral parts of Constantinople, reflecting the city's diverse and cosmopolitan character.

Byrsa, originally the heart of ancient Carthage in modern Tunisia, is likely a reference to Bursa on Münster's map, a city south of Istanbul and the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire.

Nicea (now Iznik), Callipolis (modern Gelibolu), and Troia (Troy) were pivotal locations in ancient history, known for significant battles and historical events.

Mount Olympus in Greece, famed as the mythological home of the Greek gods, is another notable feature. Another Mount Olympus is marked near Byrsa (Bursa), possibly referring to the mountain in Mysia, an ancient region of Asia Minor.

Attica, the historic region surrounding Athens, is depicted as the cradle of Western civilization. Athenae Satines (Athens) is renowned for its rich heritage, including landmarks like the Acropolis.

Corinthus (Corinth) was a wealthy city-state in classical Greece, playing a major role in various Greek wars. Modon (Methoni), Coron (Koroni), and Chania were coastal towns that served as strategic naval and trade centers.

Ragusa (Dubrovnik), Suragzo (Zadar), and Velona (Venice) are Adriatic coastal cities. Their placement on the map highlights the Adriatic Sea's importance as a vital conduit for trade and cultural exchange between East and West.

Münster's map of 'modern' Greece is more than just a geographical chart. Each landmark encapsulates the rich historical narrative of the Mediterranean region, from ancient city-states to medieval empires. A masterful blend of geography, history, and the art of cartography, this map remains a timeless testament to humanity's enduring quest to understand and represent the world.