Rare Old Map of Lower Ancient Egypt by Ortelius, 1612: Nile, Alexandria inset, Memphis, Delta, Gulf of Suez
Restored in our London workshop from the original 1612 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Printed and framed in the UK
Restored from the original 1612 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
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Aegyptus Antiqua, Abraham Ortelius’s learned evocation of Ancient Egypt published in 1612, stands among the crown jewels of his Parergon—the pioneering historical...
Continue readingAegyptus Antiqua, Abraham Ortelius’s learned evocation of Ancient Egypt published in 1612, stands among the crown jewels of his Parergon—the pioneering historical atlas that sought to visualize the classical world. Here the land of the Nile unfolds from Libya in the west to the Gulf of Suez in the east, and from southern Egypt to the blue stippling of the Mediterranean. In a period convention that delights the eye and challenges the mind, west is placed at the top, inviting a renewed orientation to antiquity. Ortelius marries erudition and elegance, framing Egypt as a crossroads of civilizations, where Greek and Roman legacies interlace with pharaonic memory in a tableau as scholarly as it is exquisitely composed.
This is the smaller 'Lower Egypt' map. There is a complete map of all Egypt by Ortelius, too.
The map divides the country into the venerable triptych of Thebaidis Regio (Upper Egypt), Heptanomia (Middle Egypt), and Aegyptus Inferior (Lower Egypt), a structure that organizes both space and history. The Nile’s serpentine course, rendered with careful bends and forks, fans into the Delta, whose fertile geometry contrasts with the rugged mountains and scattered trees that fringe the riverine world. The Mediterranean (Aegyptium Mare) and the Gulf of Suez (Arabici sinus) shimmer with fine stippling, while a neatly engraved scale bar anchors Ortelius’s empirical ambition. This is geography as narrative: a visual chronicle of the river that made a civilization.
Cities rise as miniature views, each a vignette of memory and power. Memphis, ancestral heart of the Two Lands, and Alexandria, the Mediterranean metropolis of learning and commerce, receive particular emphasis, joined by coastal Canopus and the once-thriving emporium of Thonis-Heracleion (Heraclium). An inset of Alexandria—framed in sumptuous strapwork—draws the gaze into the urban fabric of the classical world, a cartographic homage to the city’s enduring magnetism. Across the Delta and valley, the settlements form a constellation aligned to the Nile’s channels, their Latinized names a reminder of the Greco-Roman imprint on Egyptian toponymy and the scholarly lens through which Ortelius interpreted the past.
Ornate cartouches punctuate the design, chief among them a grand title cartouche that showcases the mature flourish of Ortelius’s later style. Another cartouche catalogues places of uncertain location, a candid window into early modern method: fidelity to ancient authorities paired with a frank acknowledgment of doubt. Classical sources shape the nomenclature and alignments, and with them come inevitable inconsistencies—yet these very seams reveal the intellectual fabric of the age. Decorative borders, elegant strapwork, and measured inscriptions harmonize with the landscape, turning scholarship into spectacle and transforming a map into a stage for antiquity.
As a centerpiece of the Parergon, Aegyptus Antiqua distills the atlas’s animating idea: to chart not merely territory, but the interactions that forged the ancient world. Greek colonies, Roman provinces, and pharaonic heartlands meet along the Nile corridor, the Delta littoral, and the approaches to the Red Sea, their encounters encoded in borders, place-names, and routes. The west-up orientation and the roster of uncertain sites remind us that historical geography is a dialogue across centuries. For the connoisseur, Ortelius’s Egypt offers both authority and allure—an artifact of humanist inquiry that continues to illuminate, and enchant, the landscapes of the past.
Cities and towns on this map
- Alexandria
- Memphis
- Canopus
- Thonis-Heracleion (Heraclium)
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Several decorative cartouches, including an elaborate title cartouche
- Gulf of Suez (Arabici sinus) and Mediterranean Sea (Aegyptium Mare) shown with stippling
- City depictions as miniature views, including notable cities like Memphis and Alexandria
- Inset map of Alexandria, embellished with a strapwork border
- Representation of the Nile River with detailed bends and forks, surrounded by mountains and trees
- Cartouche detailing places of uncertain location
- Scale bar included for measuring distances
Historical and design context
- Part of Ortelius’ Parergon, the first historical atlas focusing on ancient civilizations and their interactions
- Date created: 1612
- West-oriented map (west at the top), a characteristic style of the period
- Stylized border and illustrative decorative elements typical of Ortelius’s later career
- Highlights the influence of Greek and Roman cultures, with many place-names reflecting this heritage
- Reliance on classical sources resulted in some inaccuracies, revealing early-modern limitations for non-European regions
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
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, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
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.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Aegyptus Antiqua, Abraham Ortelius’s learned evocation of Ancient Egypt published in 1612, stands among the crown jewels of his Parergon—the pioneering historical atlas that sought to visualize the classical world. Here the land of the Nile unfolds from Libya in the west to the Gulf of Suez in the east, and from southern Egypt to the blue stippling of the Mediterranean. In a period convention that delights the eye and challenges the mind, west is placed at the top, inviting a renewed orientation to antiquity. Ortelius marries erudition and elegance, framing Egypt as a crossroads of civilizations, where Greek and Roman legacies interlace with pharaonic memory in a tableau as scholarly as it is exquisitely composed.
This is the smaller 'Lower Egypt' map. There is a complete map of all Egypt by Ortelius, too.
The map divides the country into the venerable triptych of Thebaidis Regio (Upper Egypt), Heptanomia (Middle Egypt), and Aegyptus Inferior (Lower Egypt), a structure that organizes both space and history. The Nile’s serpentine course, rendered with careful bends and forks, fans into the Delta, whose fertile geometry contrasts with the rugged mountains and scattered trees that fringe the riverine world. The Mediterranean (Aegyptium Mare) and the Gulf of Suez (Arabici sinus) shimmer with fine stippling, while a neatly engraved scale bar anchors Ortelius’s empirical ambition. This is geography as narrative: a visual chronicle of the river that made a civilization.
Cities rise as miniature views, each a vignette of memory and power. Memphis, ancestral heart of the Two Lands, and Alexandria, the Mediterranean metropolis of learning and commerce, receive particular emphasis, joined by coastal Canopus and the once-thriving emporium of Thonis-Heracleion (Heraclium). An inset of Alexandria—framed in sumptuous strapwork—draws the gaze into the urban fabric of the classical world, a cartographic homage to the city’s enduring magnetism. Across the Delta and valley, the settlements form a constellation aligned to the Nile’s channels, their Latinized names a reminder of the Greco-Roman imprint on Egyptian toponymy and the scholarly lens through which Ortelius interpreted the past.
Ornate cartouches punctuate the design, chief among them a grand title cartouche that showcases the mature flourish of Ortelius’s later style. Another cartouche catalogues places of uncertain location, a candid window into early modern method: fidelity to ancient authorities paired with a frank acknowledgment of doubt. Classical sources shape the nomenclature and alignments, and with them come inevitable inconsistencies—yet these very seams reveal the intellectual fabric of the age. Decorative borders, elegant strapwork, and measured inscriptions harmonize with the landscape, turning scholarship into spectacle and transforming a map into a stage for antiquity.
As a centerpiece of the Parergon, Aegyptus Antiqua distills the atlas’s animating idea: to chart not merely territory, but the interactions that forged the ancient world. Greek colonies, Roman provinces, and pharaonic heartlands meet along the Nile corridor, the Delta littoral, and the approaches to the Red Sea, their encounters encoded in borders, place-names, and routes. The west-up orientation and the roster of uncertain sites remind us that historical geography is a dialogue across centuries. For the connoisseur, Ortelius’s Egypt offers both authority and allure—an artifact of humanist inquiry that continues to illuminate, and enchant, the landscapes of the past.
Cities and towns on this map
- Alexandria
- Memphis
- Canopus
- Thonis-Heracleion (Heraclium)
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Several decorative cartouches, including an elaborate title cartouche
- Gulf of Suez (Arabici sinus) and Mediterranean Sea (Aegyptium Mare) shown with stippling
- City depictions as miniature views, including notable cities like Memphis and Alexandria
- Inset map of Alexandria, embellished with a strapwork border
- Representation of the Nile River with detailed bends and forks, surrounded by mountains and trees
- Cartouche detailing places of uncertain location
- Scale bar included for measuring distances
Historical and design context
- Part of Ortelius’ Parergon, the first historical atlas focusing on ancient civilizations and their interactions
- Date created: 1612
- West-oriented map (west at the top), a characteristic style of the period
- Stylized border and illustrative decorative elements typical of Ortelius’s later career
- Highlights the influence of Greek and Roman cultures, with many place-names reflecting this heritage
- Reliance on classical sources resulted in some inaccuracies, revealing early-modern limitations for non-European regions
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
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, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
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.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.
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