"Modon, sive Modona, quondam Methone, Civitas est Sittoralis Pelopponesi, in Morea", Braun & Hogenberg

Braun & Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum or "Cities of the World" was published between 1572 and 1617. Within the six volumes, 531 towns and cities were depicted on 363 plates, providing the reader with the pleasures of travel without the attendant discomforts. Braun wrote in the preface to the third book, "What could be more pleasant than, in one's own home far from all danger, to gaze in these books at the universal form of the earth . . . adorned with the splendor of cities and fortresses and, by looking at pictures and reading the texts accompanying them, to acquire knowledge which could scarcely be had but by long and difficult journeys?" Braun and Hogenberg incorporated an astonishing wealth of information into each scene beyond the city layout and important buildings. The plates provide an impression of the economy and prominent occupations, and illustrate local costumes, manners and customs.

A great view of the important port of Methoni in the southern Peloponesse. The town is also known by the Italian name Modon, as it was called by the Venetians, who fortified the town and developed it into an important trade center. The Ottoman Turks captured the city in 1500 and controlled it until the Venetians returned in the 1680s. This view was trimmed from a folio sheet that contained two other views.

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Condition: B

Attractive old color. Narrow top margin with remnants of hinges along top verso. There is a minor fold separation in the bottom margin, not affecting the view.