Search

Map from Johannes Olivier’s book ‘Land- en Zeetogten in Nederland's Indie [Land and Sea Journeys in the Dutch Indies]’, showing European colonial possessions and indigenous kingdoms in Asia.

A French map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset map of the island of Java. Colonies of Britain (Malay Peninsula), Spain (the Philippines) and Portugal (parts of Floris and Timor) are also marked.

Map from Johannes Olivier’s book ‘Land- en Zeetogten in Nederland's Indie [Land and Sea Journeys in the Dutch Indies]’, showing European colonial possessions and indigenous kingdoms in Asia.

A French map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset map of the island of Java. Colonies of Britain (Malay Peninsula), Spain (the Philippines) and Portugal (parts of Floris and Timor) are also marked.

On this map of Asia, borders are outlined and cities underlined in different colours to show the colonial territories of the European powers: e.g. at this time, Benkulen (Bencoolen) on the west coast of Sumatra is British, and Malacca is Dutch.

On this map of Asia, borders are outlined and cities underlined in different colours to show the colonial territories of the European powers: e.g. at this time, Benkulen (Bencoolen) on the west coast of Sumatra is British, and Malacca is Dutch.

Map of the Banda Islands—which was at this time the only source of nutmeg in the world—featuring mountains, plantations, settlements and a military fort. On the island of Gunnanapi (Banda Api) a volcano erupts (‘api’ means ‘fire’ in Indonesian).

Map of the Banda Islands—which was at this time the only source of nutmeg in the world—featuring mountains, plantations, settlements and a military fort. On the island of Gunnanapi (Banda Api) a volcano erupts (‘api’ means ‘fire’ in Indonesian).

This colourful mid-18th century plan of the city of Amboine (Ambon, capital of Ambon Island, in the Maluku Islands, Indonesia) has a detailed legend identifying locations within the city and the surrounding mountains. The text is in French and Dutch.

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.