Old Map of Roman Empire Roads, 1624 by Ortelius & Peutinger – Cursus Publicus, Rome, Europe, Caesar Augustus
A fascinating and very rare map by master cartographer Abraham Ortelius showing the Roman Roads as they were at the start of the first millennium – likely very close to the year 0 BCE/AD. The network, of course, was created by Caesar Augustus to improve the running (and taxation) of his growing empire.
Ortelius created this map at the end of the 16th century from the Peutinger Table, a 13th century manuscript that itself is a copy of an even older manuscript map of the Roman Empire’s road network, known then as the “cursus publicus”
This map does not include the British Isles or the Iberian Peninsula (Spain/Portugal), but it does cover the rest of Europe, North Africa and even into parts of the Middle East and India. I encourage you to look at the detailed listing images – it will take a bit of effort to decode this map. But once you crack it… it’s quite marvellous.
Because this map was originally very large, the smallest version I can print and still have legible labels is 18×18 inches (46x46cm). I would encourage you to get at least the 24×24 inch map if you have the space, though – or even larger, ideally. There is a lot of detail on this map, and the larger you go the bigger it will look!
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 160 inches (400cm, 13ft) wide. Please get in touch if you’re looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18×18 inch (46x46cm) version of this map.
Many of the towns, villages and cities of Europe are already visible in this map. Feel free to message me if you want to confirm if a certain town or village is on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from Europe or who is interested in the Roman Empire.
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.
