Die Statt Montpellier mit jhrer gelegenheit

The Hugenot stronghold of Montpellier, France.

This woodblock view shows the French city of Montpellier, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Oriented with east at the top, the image identifies nearly 30 different locations of interest (in German) at the bottom of the page. The scene predates the famed Citadel of Montpellier, constructed by Louis XIII after several local rebellions.

Sebastian Munster’s Cosmographia, first published in 1544 and re-issued in numerous editions, was a revolutionary resource for understanding the world in the 16th century. Originally composed in Latin, Cosmographia covers a wide range of topics, including detailed descriptions of continents, countries, and cities, as well as information on the customs, religions, and cultures of various peoples. The work is notable for its rich collection of maps, woodcuts, and illustrations, which offer a visual representation of the geographical knowledge and artistic style of the Renaissance period. Munster drew upon a variety of sources, including classical texts, contemporary travel accounts, and reports from explorers, to compile a work that sought to educate and inform readers about the totality of the known world.