Gallia Vetus Ad Iuli Caesaris Commentaria

Roman Gaul, according to 17th-century scholars.

The Roman conquest of Gaul (roughly corresponding to modern-day France) began in the second century BC and culminated in Julius Caesar’s final destructive campaigns in 52 BC. Over the next five centuries, the Romans would settle the territory and Latinize it to a great extent, until they would be ousted by the Franks at the Battle of Soissons in 486.

That ancient city, labeled Suessonum, can be seen just northeast of Paris on this map, which presents Gaul under Roman rule. It was published in Amsterdam by Jan Jansson and is based on an earlier map from the 16th century by Abraham Ortelius, who in turn used classical sources such as Strabo, Ptolemy, and, of course, Caesar’s Commentaries (referenced in the title).

The territory is divided into five parts and numerous tribes are labeled within the image and in columns of text on either side of the sheet. Pictorial elements are used to great effect to show topography, forests, settlements, and even an aqueduct. Three decorative cartouches surrounding the title, scale, and author complete the lovely piece.