Rare Old Borgia Mappa Mundi, 1450 - Ancient World Atlas - Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Mediterranean

Immerse yourself in the intricate details of the Borgia Mappa Mundi, a fascinating historical artifact that provides a unique glimpse into the world as it was perceived in the mid-15th century. This map, crafted by an anonymous mapmaker in 1450, offers a stunning visual representation of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, along with significant bodies of water such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Black Sea, and the Red Sea. It's an intriguing piece that allows us to journey back in time and explore the geographical knowledge and misconceptions of the era.

As you examine the map, you'll find it teeming with fascinating details. The European continent, for instance, is illustrated with a level of detail that reflects the relatively advanced knowledge of the region during this period. You'll find the Mediterranean Sea, a critical trade route in the 15th century, meticulously depicted. The Middle East and North Africa are also featured, showcasing the importance of these regions in the global context of the time. The Black Sea and the Red Sea, two critical bodies of water that have played significant roles in history, are also highlighted.

What makes the Borgia Mappa Mundi particularly intriguing is the context in which it was created. In the mid-15th century, the Age of Discovery was just beginning to dawn. This map, therefore, provides a snapshot of the world just before explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama expanded the known boundaries of the world. It offers a fascinating insight into the geographical knowledge of the time, reflecting both the accuracy of their understanding in some areas and the limitations in others. It's a piece that not only enriches your appreciation of cartography but also deepens your understanding of history.

This map looks great at all sizes: 16x16in (41x41cm), 18x18in (46x46cm), 24x24 inches (61x61cm), 36x36 inches (92x92cm), 45x45 inches (114.5x114.5cm), 50x50 inches (127x127cm) and 60x60 inches (152.5x152.5cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 120in (305cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x18in (46x46cm) version of this map.

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

The labels on this map are very small at 16x16in (41x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, another option would be this amazing map of Ancient Flat Earth by Monte Urbano in 1587.

The locations on this map include: Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Black Sea and Red Sea.

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 or housewarming gift for someone interested in Borgia World Map or someone who is interested in historical maps.

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.