Leen Helmink Antique Maps
Antique map of Siam by Acosta/Metellus
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Stock number: 18684
Zoom ImageCartographer(s)
Acosta/Metellus
Title
Regnum SIAN
First Published
Cologne, 1598
Size
15.2 x 22.2 cms
Technique
Condition
mint
Price
This Item is Sold
Description
The first map dedicated to Thailand.
"Another milestone in Thailand’s cartographical development of the sixteenth century was the publication in 1596-8 of the first separate map of the kingdom, ‘Regnum Siam’ (in Speculum Orbis terrae) by Johannes Metellus, a German scholar, was based on information from maps by Gastaldi (1548) and Ramusio (1554).
The coastal outline of Thailand, the shape of the peninsula, and the placement of the mountains and rivers are similar to the Ramusio map. The shape of Lake Chiamay, however, is different and Ayutthaya was changed from its correct location to the northeastern part of the peninsula. The Gulf of Thailand is not named and its size is markedly reduced on this map. Also, it feature a Portuguese carrack sails towards the Straits of Malacca en route to Thailand."
(Rooney).
