1603 Abraham Ortelius Bulgarian Map

This is an impressive early map of Romania and Bulgaria, located on the Black Sea. It is taken from Ortelius’ Parergon, which is recognised as the world’s first historical atlas.

This map depicts the historical territories of Dacia and Moesia, which align with present-day Bulgaria and Romania, with a northward orientation. The map spans from Germany in the westernmost point to the Black Sea (Ponti Euxini) in the easternmost point. It also covers the region from Eastern Europe in the northernmost point to Greece in the southernmost point. The territory is divided among five Roman provinces: Sarmatia, Germania, Pannonia, Dalmatia, and Thracia.

Despite its limited geographical coverage, the Black Sea and Odysus is meticulously depicted with shaded patterns to provide the illusion of turbulent and rough waves. In a specific location called Stethe, sandbars would provide significant challenges for navigators.

• Large 1603 Ortelius Map of Bulgaria

• Raremaps – 1603 Ortelius

• Raremaps – 1603 Ortelius
• Marcel p. Van den Broecke