Rare Old Map of Moravia, Czechia by Ortelius, 1608: Brno, Olomouc, Rivers, Mountains, Fortified Cities

The "Moraviae, Quae Olim Marcomannorum Sedes Corographia" is a captivating cartographic masterpiece created by the esteemed Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius in 1608. This map, part of Ortelius' groundbreaking "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," the first modern atlas of the world, is a testament to the rich history and geographical intricacies of the Moravian region. Ortelius, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic flair, has masterfully depicted the political and physical landscape of Moravia, showcasing fortified cities, towns, and natural features with remarkable precision and elegance.

Ortelius' map is adorned with a large strapwork cartouche, an ornate title banner, and a smaller cartouche, all of which exemplify the decorative style of early 17th-century cartography. The fine old coloring enhances the visual appeal, making the map not only a valuable historical document but also a piece of art. The decorative elements, including mythical sea creatures and ships, add a touch of whimsy and intrigue, inviting viewers to explore the map's many facets. The compass rose and scale bar, embellished with artistic details, further demonstrate Ortelius' dedication to both form and function.

The map provides a detailed view of Moravia, a historical region now part of the Czech Republic, and its surrounding areas, including parts of Bohemia, Austria, Silesia, and Hungary. It meticulously charts the region's rivers, mountain ranges, and forested areas, offering insights into the natural landscape that shaped the lives of its inhabitants. The representation of major rivers and topographical features, such as valleys and plains, highlights the geographical diversity and strategic importance of Moravia in Central Europe.

Ortelius' depiction of fortified cities and towns is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects the political and military landscape of the time. Cities such as Brno, Olomouc, and Znojmo are prominently featured, along with numerous smaller towns and settlements. The map's detailed portrayal of roads and pathways connecting these urban centers underscores the region's role as a hub of trade and communication. The inclusion of historical coats of arms and heraldic symbols adds an additional layer of historical context, linking the map to the noble families and political entities that shaped Moravia's history.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographical content. As part of Ortelius' "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," it represents a major milestone in the history of cartography, marking the transition from medieval map-making traditions to modern techniques. The map's detailed and accurate representation of Moravia provides valuable insights into the region's history, culture, and geography during the early 17th century. Collectors and historians alike will appreciate the map's artistic beauty, historical importance, and the glimpse it offers into the world as it was understood by one of history's greatest cartographers.

Cities and towns on this map

• Brno (Brünn)
• Olomouc (Olmütz)
• Znojmo (Znaim)
• Jihlava (Iglau)
• Kroměříž (Kremsier)
• Uherské Hradiště (Ungarisch Hradisch)
• Šumperk (Mährisch Schönberg)
• Prostějov (Proßnitz)
• Vyškov (Wischau)
• Vsetín (Wsetin)
• Hodonín (Göding)
• Břeclav (Lundenburg)
• Blansko (Blanz)
• Boskovice (Boskovitz)
• Kyjov (Gaya)
• Mikulov (Nikolsburg)
• Třebíč (Trebitsch)
• Litovel (Littau)
• Zábřeh (Hohenstadt)
• Hranice (Mährisch Weißkirchen)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Large strapwork cartouche with the map title.
• Title banner with ornate design.
• Smaller cartouche with additional information.
• Rivers and water bodies, including major rivers flowing through Moravia.
• Mountain ranges depicted with hachures.
• Forested areas indicated with tree symbols.
• Decorative compass rose.
• Scale bar with a decorative compass.
• Borders of adjacent regions: Bohemia, Austria, Silesia, Hungary.
• Fortified cities marked with distinctive symbols.
• Major roads and pathways connecting cities and towns.
• Historical coats of arms and heraldic symbols.
• Artistic representation of the Marcomanni tribe's historical seat.
• Topographical features, such as valleys and plains.
• Decorative elements, including mythical sea creatures and ships in surrounding waters.
• Artistic embellishments around the map's border.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Moraviae, Quae Olim Marcomannorum Sedes Corographia
• Date of creation: 1608
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Context about the mapmaker: Ortelius was a Flemish cartographer and geographer, recognized for creating the first modern atlas, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," which was first published in 1570.
• Topics and themes:
• Political and physical geography: The map details the political boundaries, fortified cities, towns, and physical features such as rivers and mountains.
• Historical context: The map represents Moravia, a historical region in Central Europe, which was once the seat of the Marcomanni tribe.
• Countries and regions shown:
• Moravia (historical region, now part of the Czech Republic)
• Parts of Bohemia, Austria, Silesia, and Hungary
• Design and style:
• The map is designed with a decorative strapwork cartouche and ornate title banner.
• It employs fine old coloring techniques typical of maps from the early 17th century.
• Historical significance:
• The map is significant as part of Ortelius' "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," marking a major development in the history of cartography.
• It provides insights into the geographical understanding and political boundaries of Central Europe in the early 17th century.

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

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 custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

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