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The London-based cartographer Herman Moll (1654?–1732) created this map of Asia in the early 18th century. There are five insets showing Asian trading cities, including of the ports of Batavia (Jakarta) and Bantam (Banten) in western Java.

The legend and written notes on this plan of Batavia (Jakarta) provide much detailed information about the important port city in the early 18th century. It is also beautifully decorated with paintings of the city, local people, animals and ships.

This elaborately illustrated map of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans includes the eastern islands of Southeast Asia. The routes of five expeditions west across the Pacific are marked, including that of Ferdinand Magellan to the Philippines in 1520.

This map features maritime routes: between Siam and Batavia; and five routes of the explorers Juan Gaetan and Olivier du Nord (dated 1542) east of the Philippines. The cartouche has a colourful illustration of Asian people in traditional costume.

A map of a small island chain off the west coast of the island of Gilolo (modern Halmahera in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia). The military forts and ships were used by the European colonial powers during conflicts over the area’s spice trade.

A map of the bay of the port city of Batavia (Jakarta). To aid navigation, a rhumbline network (the web of interconnected lines), bathymetry (sea depth), and small islands, shoals and reefs are marked. An inset map shows the city in more detail.

Chart of the Sunda Strait, focusing on bays and islands, and showing bathymetry (sea depth), anchor points, shoals and reefs, landmarks, and a rhumbline network, all to aid navigation. Includes an inset map of the bay of the city of Banten on Java.

A map of Java with mountains, jungles, animals and crops. Bathymetry (sea depth) is marked, including on an inset map of Batavia harbour. Illustrations include Batavia Castle, and a lion—representing Belgium—receiving tribute and enslaving locals.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.

Although mainly a navigation map—with a rhumbline network and elevations of mountains—there are also many terrestrial details shown, such as settlements and mountains. The inset map of Hoeamohel details plantations and the cultivation of nut crops.

Map dedicated to William Cowper, whose coat of arms sits atop the cartouche. It features two horses holding a crest with three martlets (mythical birds used in heraldry). The cartouche also features Asian traders. Monsoons are marked on the map.