This intricately engraved plan view shows Heraklion on the island of Crete besieged by Ottoman forces, with a battle in progress. From 1648 to 1669, Venetian-ruled Crete was under siege by the Ottoman Empire; it remains the second longest siege in history. There is fine detail of the fortifications, batteries, troop positions, and the encampments on the outskirts of the city. The Mediterranean is filled with ships, many of them firing cannons at each other. There is a scroll-like title cartouche at top left. A compass rose orients the north to the bottom of the sheet. According to Shirley, although this view was published in an edition of Theatri Europaei dated 1646, it is assumed that it was added later.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.MERI-1b #8.

Condition: A

A fine impression with minor scattered foxing. There are a few short edge tears and a small hole in the blank margins.