These three interesting maps illustrate theories concerning the origins of the Nile according to Duarte Lopez, Arab geography, and the Jesuit explorer Peter Paez. The first (6.9" x 7.5") represents the origin of the Nile as explored by Lopez and described by Pigafetta, with the river emanating from two lakes, one below the other. The second (6.5" x 7.4") represents the Mountains of the Moon origin, north of Lake Zambia. The third (14.1" x 9.3") depicts in detail the Montes Lunae and the river valley as recorded by the Jesuit traveler Paez. The maps are embellished with mountains, citadels, forests, exotic animals, a crocodile, and sea monsters. Originally appeared in Oedipus Aegyptiacus Rome in 1652 and was subsequently published in Mundus Subterraneus in 1665, 1668, and 1678.

References: Norwich #156; Tooley (Africa-48) p. 53.

Condition: B+

Issued folding, now flat, with a few tiny worm holes which have been mostly closed on verso with archival materials. There is faint toning at bottom left.