Old Nile Delta Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Egypt, Mouths of the Nile, Alexandria, Rosetta

Delve into the intricate details of early 19th-century Egyptian geography with "The Coast of Egypt & Mouths of the Nile," a masterful creation by the esteemed British hydrographer, William Heather. Created in 1802, this chart is not merely a navigational tool but a window into the past, showcasing the northern coast of Egypt from the bustling port of Alexandria to the tranquil waters of Burullus Lake. This map is a testament to the meticulous craft of British chart-making, a field in which Heather later became an official authority as the Hydrographer to the Admiralty in 1817.

Navigational Excellence and Historical Insight

As a nautical chart, this map was an essential aid for mariners navigating the tricky waters of the Mediterranean adjacent to the Nile Delta. It features detailed depictions of water depths, shoals, and other maritime hazards, crucial for safe passage during a time when the region was a nexus of maritime trade. The inclusion of cities like Alexandria, Rosetta, and Damietta not only aids in navigation but also serves as a cultural and historical guide, illustrating the importance of these cities in early 19th-century Egypt.

A Cartographic Rarity

This chart is a rare artifact from William Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot," known for its scarcity and the high level of detail in its charts. The fact that such maps are seldom seen on the market today adds to its allure and value as a collectible. Collectors and historians alike cherish this map for its precision and its role in enhancing our understanding of Mediterranean navigational charts of the era.

Detailed Design Elements

The map's design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, featuring a classic compass rose and a scale of miles that exemplify the era's cartographic standards. These elements not only add to the map's utility but also its charm, capturing the essence of maritime exploration during the period. The careful plotting of the Nile's mouths and the surrounding topography offers a vivid portrayal of the region's geography, making it a valuable educational tool for those interested in the natural and political history of the area.

A Portal to the Past

Owning "The Coast of Egypt & Mouths of the Nile" is like possessing a piece of history. It provides a unique perspective on Egypt's geographical and cultural landscape in the early 1800s, reflected through the lens of British naval interests and cartographic expertise. This map is not just a navigational aid but a historical document that offers insights into the geopolitical significance of Egypt's coastal regions during a pivotal era in both Egyptian and world history.

Notable Places on This Map

• Alexandria
• Rosetta
• Damietta

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Northern coast of Egypt, including the Nile Delta
• Mouths of the Nile River
• Compass rose
• Scale of miles

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802
• Part of William Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot"
• Designed as a nautical chart for navigation, including information on water depths, shoals, and other hazards
• Provides valuable historical information about the coastline and waterways of Egypt in the early 19th century
• An example of detailed and accurate charts produced by British hydrographers in the 19th century

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.