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An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.

An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.

An early map of the island of Borneo, depicting the natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and shoals, and also evidence of human habitation with houses representing settlements, and a port and shipping route along the northern coast.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

French text on the back of this map of mainland Southeast Asia describes the kingdom of Pegu (Myanmar), its royal palace, ports and trade with Sumatra and Malacca (rice, butter, oil, salt, onions, silver, porcelain, quicksilver, copper, pewter etc.).

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

A plan of the important port of Batavia (Jakarta), with the fort, river, city streets and fields. Decorative illustrations include ships in the harbour, a view of the city and mountains, and the city’s coat of arms: a lion holding a sword and shield.

French text on the reverse of this map of the eastern Sunda Islands describes the city of Macassar (modern Makassar) on Celebes (Sulawesi, Indonesia). Details include the city’s port, trade and crops, as well as its people and religion.

Map of the Siamese city of Ayutthaya (‘Ville de Siam’), surrounded by the Menam River (Chao Phraya River). Roads and buildings are marked, including a number of royal palaces and pagodas, which are listed on the Dutch and French-language legend.

Map of the Siamese city of Ayutthaya (‘Ville de Siam’), surrounded by the Menam River (Chao Phraya River). Roads and buildings are marked, including a number of royal palaces and pagodas, which are listed on the Dutch and French-language legend.

Map of the Banda Islands from Vicenzo Coronelli's ‘Corso Geografico Universale’, including a volcano on Gunappi (Banda Api), and a military fort on Nera (Banda Neira). Italian text describes the crops, trade, animals and people of the Maluku Islands.

This early 18th century map of Batavia (Jakarta) shows an important port city, with military forts, a long pier, and many ships at sea. However, the map also shows a city surrounded by fields and plantations, for producing crops and grazing animals.