Rare Old Birdseye Map of Alexandria, Egypt by Braun, 1575: Pompey's Pillar, Towers, Battlements, Ships, Waterways

"Alexandria, Vetustissimum Aegypti Emporium, Amplissima Civitas" is a breathtakingly detailed town plan of Alexandria, created by the renowned cartographer Georg Braun in 1575. This exquisite bird's-eye view map is a part of Braun & Hogenberg's esteemed "Civitas Orbis Terrarum," one of the most significant collections of town plans and views from the 16th century. The map vividly captures the grandeur of Alexandria, a city founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, and offers a glimpse into its rich historical and architectural heritage.

The map's intricate illustrations bring to life the bustling urban layout of Alexandria, highlighting its strategic importance and historical significance. One of the most striking features is Pompey's Pillar, a towering Roman triumphal column that stands as a testament to the city's ancient glory. The detailed depictions of walls, towers, and battlements provide a fascinating insight into the city's fortifications, showcasing the defensive structures that protected Alexandria from invaders.

As you explore the map, you will notice the meticulously drawn waterways that flow through the city, reflecting Alexandria's vital connection to the Mediterranean Sea. The presence of ships in the harbor further emphasizes the city's role as a major trading hub in the ancient world. The surrounding illustrations of camels and other figures offer a glimpse into the daily life and vibrant culture of the city's inhabitants.

Georg Braun's masterful cartography not only captures the physical layout of Alexandria but also its historical essence. The map is a visual narrative of the city's evolution, from its founding by Alexander the Great to its prominence under the Roman Empire. Braun's work is a testament to his dedication to preserving the legacy of the world's great cities, and this map of Alexandria is a shining example of his artistry and attention to detail.

For collectors and history enthusiasts, this map is more than just a decorative piece; it is a window into the past, offering a unique perspective on one of the most storied cities in history. The combination of artistic beauty and historical significance makes this map of Alexandria a truly remarkable addition to any collection.

Streets and roads on this map

• Streets and roads:
• Canopicus Flu.
• Via Canopica

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Ships in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Camels and other figures around the city.
• Landmarks:
• Pompey’s Pillar.
• Various towers and battlements.
• Neighbourhoods:
• The map depicts different sections within the city walls.
• Other notable features:
• Detailed city walls and gates.
• Waterways running through the city.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Alexandria, Vetustissimum Aegypti Emporium, Amplissima Civitas
• Extra notes:
• The map is a striking town plan of Alexandria.
• It is from Braun & Hogenberg's "Civitas Orbis Terrarum".
• The title at the top of the map, in Latin, roughly states that the town was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE.
• The map includes depictions of walls, towers, and battlements.
• Pompey’s Pillar, a Roman Empire triumphal column, is visible in the background.
• Date of creation: 1575
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Georg Braun
• Context about the mapmaker: Georg Braun was a notable cartographer and editor of the "Civitas Orbis Terrarum," a significant collection of town plans and views from the 16th century.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Urban layout: The map provides a detailed bird's-eye view of Alexandria, showcasing its urban design, including walls, towers, and battlements.
• Historical landmarks: Pompey's Pillar is prominently featured.
• Countries and regions shown on the map: The map focuses on Alexandria, located in Egypt.
• Design or style:
• The map is a City Birds eye view pictorial map.
• It features detailed illustrations of buildings, streets, and ships in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Historical significance:
• The map provides a visual representation of Alexandria during the late 16th century, reflecting its historical and architectural significance.
• It highlights the city's strategic importance and its rich history dating back to its founding by Alexander the Great.

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 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.