This map covering present-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia was engraved by Christian Ludolf and published in his father Job Ludolf's Historia Aethiopia. Betz notes this important work "helped to disprove Ptolemy's belief that the Nile begins in the Mountains of the Moon." Instead Ludolf shows the Blue Nile originating in Goijam (a century before James Bruce's discoveries) and then heading through the southern end of Lake Tana before turning north. In addition to its cartographical significance, the map presents a fascinating visual of rivers, rugged mountains, and wild animals including elephants, lions, tigers, elk (?), ostriches, and more. Decorated by 4 cartouches, a compass rose, and sailing ships in the Arabian Sea.

References: Betz, p. 432.

Condition: B+

Contemporary color in the map and later color in the decorative elements. There is a long archivally repaired centerfold separation and some minor staining in the margins.