Ancient Britain & Ireland with Roman and British Coins, Weigel, 1718
Description: A striking early 18th-century map of the British Isles as understood in antiquity, depicting Great Britain and Ireland through the geography of Roman and classical writers. Published in Nuremberg by Johann Christoph Weigel around 1718, the map is particularly decorative for its combination of historical cartography, original hand coloring and an extraordinary panel of ancient coins.
Great Britain appears as Britannia, with Ireland identified by the ancient names Hibernia and Ivernia. Rather than contemporary counties and political divisions, the map records ancient tribal territories, settlements and classical place names. Londinium is shown on the Thames, while both Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall are represented. The Orkney Islands appear as the Orcades Insulae, with an additional inset at upper left devoted to the northern islands.
One of the most appealing features is the large numismatic panel at upper right. Eighteen ancient coins associated with Roman and early British history are illustrated, including portraits, animals, figures and symbols. Weigel incorporated this numismatic evidence as part of his attempt to reconstruct and illustrate the ancient geography and history of Britain.
The map also includes part of the continental coastline across the English Channel, including portions of ancient Gallia and Belgica.
Title: Insulae Britannicae Antiquae ex collatione veterum Geographorum et Historicorum descriptae et Nummis illustratae
Cartographer / Publisher: Johann Christoph Weigel (1661–1726)
Place of Publication: Nuremberg
Date: circa 1718
Medium: Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Condition: Good antique condition overall with expected signs of age, including some toning, occasional spotting, minor staining and handling marks. There is some visible age-related discoloration particularly toward the margins. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description. Please contact us if you would like a more detailed condition report.
This is an original antique map published in the early 18th century, not a modern reproduction.
Sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords: ancient Britain map, antique British Isles map, Britain Ireland map, Britannia map, Hibernia map, Roman Britain map, Johann Christoph Weigel, Weigel map, 1718 map, ancient Ireland map, Roman coins, British coins, numismatic map, Londinium, Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, ancient British tribes, historical Britain, 18th century map, antique England map, antique Scotland map, antique Ireland map, Nuremberg cartography, hand colored map, copper engraving
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