A New Map of the Seat of War, or the Post Roads of Germany and Hungary…

Detailed map of eastern Europe published during Napoleon’s ascendency in the region.

Napoleon’s decisive victory at Austerlitz on December 2, 1805 is remembered today as his greatest strategic triumph. Although the town that would make the battle famous is not even listed on this map (it took place the year before publication about 6 miles east of Brinn [Brunn], north of Vienna), the effects of the French victory over the Third Coalition were felt immediately throughout Europe.

The Austrian Empire, colored here in yellow, was severely curtailed and forced to cede territory in modern day Germany and Italy. Napoleon consolidated his new holdings by establishing the Confederation of the Rhine the same year this map was published, seen here in a blue outline. Pockets of Prussian holdouts are shown in red, along with what remained of it’s once vast territory.

In addition to reflecting an anxious political situation for it’s English audience, the map shows a wealth of strategic information those keenly interested in the outcome of the war against Napoleon. Roads are labeled by their width, and thus by their capacity to transport men and supplies. Numerous scales are provided to translate campaign information from domestic and foreign sources, and basic topographic information gives a rough feel for the landscape. The close proximity to the enemy is also noted – only 8 leagues separate the ports of Dover and Calais!