Abyssinia Nubia &c.

Copperplate engraved map of one of the oldest Christian kingdoms on the planet.

This fascinating map of northeast Africa covers an area comprised of portions of modern day Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Abyssinia and Nubia refer to the historic territories that were variously under the control of the Roman, Egyptian, and Ethiopian Empires.

Regional geographic features are emphasized; notably the fertile lands along the Nile, availability of water identified in numerous locations, steep peaks separating the desert from the Red Sea, and the fictitious Mountains of the Moon in the lower left. These are also shown to be the source of the White Nile, while the source of the Blue Nile (according to Scottish explorer James Bruce) is shown near Dembea Lake.

Other interesting details relate to ongoing local religious conflict. The location of King David’s encampment, allegedly discovered by Alvarez in 1520, and the Monastery of the Saviour (seen just below the first cataract of the Nile) reflect the historic presence of Christianity in the region. However, numerous named Arab tribes in the east and along the coast highlight territorial tension.

The map was originally designed by Scottish cartographer John Pinkerton. As part of the Edinburgh School of Cartography (which included the likes of John Cary and John Thomson), Pinkerton was responsible for creating some of the most highly detailed and precise atlas maps of the early 19th century. Today, his maps are prized for their size, color, and wealth of information. This particular example was included in the American edition of Pinkerton’s Modern Atlas, published in Philadelphia by Thomas Dobson.