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The many inaccuracies and omissions on this early map of Southeast Asia show the limitations of geographical knowledge at the time. There are some interesting details though, such as a legend listing the small islands in the Moluccas and Philippines.

Dotted lines on this late 17th century map demarcate regions and kingdoms (which also have a crown symbol). The cartouche is shaped like a giant shell supported by mermen, with cherubs holding up shells and pearls on top.

The Latin title of this map translates as ‘Map of Today's Asia’, and reflects the knowledge of the region in the very early 18th century. Although lacking detail in Southeast Asia, the map does show the major islands and some cities.

Six drawings of bays, including the Bay of Tiku (‘Rade de Ticou’) on the west coast of Sumatra, showing Tiku between the mountains Pagaman and Priaman. Two other drawings are marked ‘Poulo Clauis’ and are possibly bays on the coast of Aceh, Sumatra.

This map of Asia is dedicated to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, and features a drawing of his coat of arms. He had been in line to succeed to the English throne, but died at the age of 11 in 1700, the year before this map was produced.

Map showing the kingdoms, states and nations of Asia. They are listed—along with major cities and rivers—in an extensive key. Each location has a two letter code that identifies its location on the map (uppercase is longitude; lowercase is latitude).

Map showing the kingdoms, states and nations of Asia. They are listed—along with major cities and rivers—in an extensive key. Each location has a two letter code that identifies its location on the map (uppercase is longitude; lowercase is latitude).

The letters ‘E’ or ‘D’ are marked after place names to indicate if they are English or Dutch colonial possessions: e.g. ‘Marleborough Fort E’ on Sumatra or ‘Concordia Fort D’ on Timor. The Philippines are labelled ‘to Spain’.

The letters ‘E’ or ‘D’ are marked after place names to indicate if they are English or Dutch colonial possessions: e.g. ‘Marleborough Fort E’ on Sumatra or ‘Concordia Fort D’ on Timor. The Philippines are labelled ‘to Spain’.

The letters ‘E’ or ‘D’ are marked after place names to indicate if they are English or Dutch colonial possessions: e.g. ‘Marleborough Fort E’ on Sumatra or ‘Concordia Fort D’ on Timor. The Philippines are labelled ‘to Spain’.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing the currents (represented by arrows) and winds (represented with letters A to G) during the monsoon seasons. Three routes from the Isle de France (Mauritius) around the Indian Ocean are shown.

Map of the Indian Ocean showing the currents (represented by arrows) and winds (represented with letters A to G) during the monsoon seasons. Three routes from the Isle de France (Mauritius) around the Indian Ocean are shown.