Braun & Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum or "Cities of the World" was published between 1572 and 1617. Within the six volumes, 531 towns and cities were depicted on 363 plates, providing the reader with the pleasures of travel without the attendant discomforts. Braun wrote in the preface to the third book, "What could be more pleasant than, in one's own home far from all danger, to gaze in these books at the universal form of the earth . . . adorned with the splendor of cities and fortresses and, by looking at pictures and reading the texts accompanying them, to acquire knowledge which could scarcely be had but by long and difficult journeys?" Braun and Hogenberg incorporated an astonishing wealth of information into each scene beyond the city layout and important buildings. The plates provide an impression of the economy and prominent occupations, and illustrate local costumes, manners and customs.

This is the top sheet of Braun and Hogenberg's superb map of ancient Rome, copied from Pirro Ligorio's famous map of 1561. Ligorio, an architect, painter and antiquarian, attempted to re-create a full picture of ancient Rome during the reign of Caesar Augustus. In this very intricate work, an extraordinary number of structures are delineated in exquisite detail. The city is viewed from the west. Important structures shown include the Colosseum, the Baths of Diocletian, Amphitheatrum Castrense, and many more. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 338-339.

Condition: A

A dark impression wtih archivally repaired centerfold separations in the top and bottom blank margins.