Rare Old Map of the Crusades by Marmocchi, 1838: Routes, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople

Step into the rich tapestry of medieval history with the "Itinerari delle Crociate," a captivating map crafted by the esteemed Italian geographer Francesco Marmocchi in 1838. This exquisite piece offers a window into the tumultuous era of the Crusades, charting the paths of Christian forces as they embarked on their sacred quests to reclaim Jerusalem. Each route is meticulously traced, revealing the strategic overland and maritime journeys that defined this epoch. The map's intricate detailing of the kingdoms and regions of the Middle East provides a fascinating glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the time.

As you explore this map, you'll uncover the routes taken by the crusaders, originating from various parts of Europe, such as the Kingdom of Hungary, and traversing the Mediterranean Sea. The map highlights the strategic significance of key cities like Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem, which served as pivotal points in the crusaders' journeys. The inclusion of both overland and sea routes underscores the complexity and scale of these medieval military campaigns, offering a comprehensive view of the Crusades' logistical challenges.

The "Itinerari delle Crociate" is not merely a geographical representation but a narrative of ambition, faith, and conflict. It delineates the territories and principalities that played crucial roles during the Crusades, such as the Principality of Antioch and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. These regions, marked with precision, reflect the shifting alliances and power dynamics that characterized the medieval Middle East. The map also traces the expedition of St. Louis to Tunisia, adding another layer of historical intrigue to this already compelling artifact.

Marmocchi's map is a testament to the enduring allure of the Crusades, a series of religious wars that left an indelible mark on both European and Middle Eastern history. The detailed cartography captures the essence of a bygone era, where faith and ambition drove men to traverse vast distances in pursuit of their holy objectives. This map serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of past and present, illustrating how historical events continue to shape our understanding of the world.

In addition to its historical significance, the map's aesthetic appeal is undeniable. The elegant design and careful delineation of regions such as Francia, Germania, and Spagna, along with the depiction of the Black Sea, create a visually stunning piece that would be a prized addition to any collection. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a lover of fine cartography, the "Itinerari delle Crociate" offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history that is as informative as it is beautiful.

Places on this map

• Rome
• Constantinople
• Jerusalem
• Antioch
• Tripoli
• Edessa
• Cyprus
• Damascus
• Hungary
• Francia
• Germania
• Spagna
• Mar Nero o Ponto Eusino (Black Sea)
• Egitto (Egypt)
• Arabia
• Mauritania
• Numidia
• Regno di Napoli (Kingdom of Naples)
• Regno di Cipro (Kingdom of Cyprus)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Routes of the seven Crusades
• Overland and sea routes from Europe to the Holy Land
• Kingdoms and regions in the Middle East, such as the Principality of Antioch and the Kingdom of Jerusalem
• The Mediterranean Sea as a major route for crusaders
• The Kingdom of Hungary as a starting point for overland routes
• Key cities like Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem
• The delineation of territories in the Middle East during the Crusades
• The path of the expedition of St. Louis to Tunisia
• The marked regions of Francia, Germania, and Spagna
• The inclusion of the Black Sea (Mar Nero o Ponto Eusino)

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Itinerari delle Crociate
• Creation date: 1838
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Francesco Marmocchi
• The map focuses on the routes of the seven Crusades, highlighting the paths taken by Christian forces to the Holy Land.
• It presents a geographical overview of the Middle Ages, detailing the routes from Europe to Jerusalem.
• The map is a thematic historical map, showcasing detailed routes and geographical boundaries of the time.
• This map provides insight into the Crusades, a series of religious wars during the medieval period, and their impact on European and Middle Eastern history.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.