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 beautiful view shows the Italian city of Terracina, known as Anxur in ancient times. The almond harvest is depicted in the foreground, with the city on a hillside in the background. A key in a cartouche at bottom left identifies 7 locations of note, including Theatrum quadratum, a temple to Italian divinity Jupiter Anxurus that dates back to 1st century BC, and the Appian Way. Drawn by Georg Hoefnagel. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 264-65.

Condition: A

On a watermarked sheet with a minor spot and remnants of hinge tape on verso.