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A mid-17th century map of Asia, showing mainland Southeast Asia divided into regions such as Cochinchine, Chiampa and Tunquin (Vietnam), Sian (Thailand), Pegu, Martaban and Arracan (Myanmar), and Camboge (Cambodia).

Four long rivers flow south through mainland Southeast Asia on this map: the ‘Menan’, ‘Manthabam’ and ‘Cosmin’ originate at a mythical lake (‘Chiamai Lac’) in southern China, while the ‘Mecon’ (Mekong) flows from the hills of Cochinchina (Vietnam).

This early map of Sumatra—referred to in the accompanying French text as ‘Isle de la Taprobane’—is covered with illustrations of people working on the land, and with elephants and camels. Villages, mountains, rivers and wild animals are also shown.