Carte Genealogique des Principaux Souverains de l’Empire Issus de Witikind le Grand

Genealogical Map of the Main Rulers of the Empire From Witikind the Great – Approximate Title Translation

Many of the Holy Roman Empire’s influential family dynasties can trace their lineage back to Witikund, leader of the Saxons and primary opponent of Charlemagne during the late 8th century. The copperplate-engraved sheet was originally published in Paris as part of Henri Abraham Chatelain’s important Atlas Historique. This monumental seven-volume set was first issued in Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720, but was re-printed in numerous in several subsequent editions until the late 1730s. The scholarly, but approachable, work was aimed at a broad audience, eager for new information during the Age of Enlightenment. The breadth of content offers a nuanced synthesis of geography, cosmography, history, religion, ethnology, and political science. The descriptive text (in French) and skillfully engraved maps, diagrams, and illustrations provide a fascinating window into the world of the early 18th century.