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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.

Two drawings and text from ‘Rerum et urbis Amstelodamensium historia’ by Johannes Pontanus: the port and town of Gamme Lamme on the island of Ternate, with local and European vessels; and a naval battle between Dutch and Portuguese ships.

This early 17th century map of the island of Bali shows palaces, settlements and possibly some temples. Ships can be seen at anchor around the coast. The map is from a Latin language book which includes text describing Bali.

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.

This colourful map of Asia is illustrated with drawings of Asian people wearing traditional clothing, including a man and woman from Java in Southeast Asia, and drawings of important ports such as Bantan (Banten) situated at the western end of Java.

This early 19th century map is from a book titled ‘Mr. John Nieuhoff's Voyages’ in which the author reports on his travels to Southeast Asia, including a detailed description of the important port city of Batavia, as shown on the map.

A map of Java with mountains, jungles, animals and crops. Bathymetry (sea depth) is marked, including on an inset map of Batavia harbour. Illustrations include Batavia Castle, and a lion—representing Belgium—receiving tribute and enslaving locals.

This early 18th century maritime map charts the waters of the Straits of Sunda, between the islands of Java and Sumatra. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, while the numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry), both used to aid navigation.