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Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: New Guinea is described as unknown to Europeans; Borneo was abandoned by Europeans due to the ‘unmanageability’ of the inhabitants; the Philippines were discovered by Spain in 1565.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: New Guinea is described as unknown to Europeans; Borneo was abandoned by Europeans due to the ‘unmanageability’ of the inhabitants; the Philippines were discovered by Spain in 1565.

Map of Asia featuring an early—and very vague—depiction of New Britain (‘Nieuw Brittanje’) which was named by the British explorer William Dampier when he visited in 1700. The ‘Straat van Dampier’ is also shown, dividing New Britain from New Guinea.

Map of Asia featuring an early—and very vague—depiction of New Britain (‘Nieuw Brittanje’) which was named by the British explorer William Dampier when he visited in 1700. The ‘Straat van Dampier’ is also shown, dividing New Britain from New Guinea.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: Sumatra is described as having mines of gold, silver, iron, and sulphur; and elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, dragons and crocodiles. Gilolo has rice, sago and turtles. Ambon has nutmeg.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: Sumatra is described as having mines of gold, silver, iron, and sulphur; and elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, dragons and crocodiles. Gilolo has rice, sago and turtles. Ambon has nutmeg.

The coast of New Guinea (‘Nova Guinéa’) is represented in part by a dotted line on this mid-18th century map, indicating that the exact coastlines were unknown at this time. Originally in French, the map has been modified to add Dutch text as well.

The coast of New Guinea (‘Nova Guinéa’) is represented in part by a dotted line on this mid-18th century map, indicating that the exact coastlines were unknown at this time. Originally in French, the map has been modified to add Dutch text as well.

The coast of New Guinea (‘Nova Guinéa’) is represented in part by a dotted line on this mid-18th century map, indicating that the exact coastlines were unknown at this time. Originally in French, the map has been modified to add Dutch text as well.

The title cartouche of this early 18th century map of Southeast Asia is decorated with two drawings of battles. On the left, a sea battle with smoke rising from the ships’ cannons. On the right, an army attacks a walled city which is on fire.