Rare Old Map of the Holy Land by Visscher, 1690: Tribes of Israel, Moses, Jerusalem, Nazareth, West Bank, Haifa, Dead Sea

Experience a journey through time with the 'Terra Sancta, sive Promissionis, olim Palestina' map, a remarkable work of cartographic art by Nicolaes Visscher II, dating back to 1690. Translated to English, the title reads 'Holy Land, or Land of Promise, once Palestine', an indication of the historical and geographical expanse it covers. This map, a testament to the Dutch Golden Age's exceptional craftsmanship, beautifully delineates the Holy Land in the larger modern-day area of Israel/Palestine, focusing on the regions and political divisions of the time.

The map is rich in detail, featuring significant cities like Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Haifa, as well as notable landmarks such as the West Bank and the Dead Sea. Each city and landmark is intricately depicted, providing a fascinating insight into the topography and urban structures of the period. The map's meticulous design allows for a comprehensive understanding of the area's historical context, making it an invaluable piece for any history or cartography enthusiast.

In addition to the primary map, an inset plan of the camp of the Israelite, surrounded by Moses and Aaron, adds an extra layer of historical depth. This feature, along with the decorative title cartouche and compass rose, contributes to the map's overall aesthetic appeal. The map also showcases administrative boundaries, waterways, canals, and other landmarks, further enhancing its informational value.

The 'Terra Sancta, sive Promissionis, olim Palestina' map is not just a cartographic representation; it is a vivid portrayal of the Holy Land, divided among the Tribes of Israel on both sides of the Jordan. Relief is shown pictorially, and an explanation table provides further details. This map is a blend of art, history, and geography, a perfect addition to the collection of any discerning connoisseur. It invites viewers to explore the past, delve into the complexities of ancient geopolitics, and appreciate the artistry of one of the finest mapmakers of the Dutch Golden Age.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Cities in the Tribe of Judah 1. Jerusalem - Known as the city of David, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Judah. 2. Hebron - An ancient city that was once the capital of King David. 3. Bethlehem - The birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ.

Cities in the Tribe of Benjamin 1. Jericho - Known as the "City of Palms", it is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. 2. Gibeon - Known for the biblical event of the sun standing still.

Cities in the Tribe of Ephraim 1. Shechem - An ancient city where Abraham built an altar. 2. Shiloh - The ancient city where the Ark of the Covenant was kept before the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.

Cities in the Tribe of Manasseh 1. Beth Shean - Known for its Roman theatre and the biblical story of Saul and his sons. 2. Jezreel - The winter residence of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.

Cities in the Tribe of Zebulun 1. Nazareth - Known as the hometown of Jesus Christ.

Cities in the Tribe of Asher 1. Tyre - An ancient Phoenician city, known for its production of purple dye. 2. Sidon - An ancient Phoenician city, known for its glass and purple dye industries.

Cities in the Tribe of Naphtali 1. Capernaum - Known as the town of Jesus, it was the center of his public ministry. 2. Kedesh - An ancient city of refuge.

Cities in the Tribe of Gad 1. Ramoth-Gilead - A city of refuge and a place of battle in the Bible. 2. Succoth - A place where Jacob built a house for himself and made shelters for his livestock.

Cities in the Tribe of Reuben 1. Heshbon - The capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites. 2. Dibon - An ancient town known for the Mesha Stele, also known as the Moabite Stone.

Cities in the Tribe of Simeon 1. Beersheba - Known as the place where Abraham made a treaty with Abimelech.

Cities in the Tribe of Dan 1. Joppa - The port from which Jonah set sail before being swallowed by a big fish.

Cities in the Tribe of Issachar 1. Jezreel - A city in the plain of Esdraelon, known for the story of Naboth's vineyard.

Cities in the Tribe of Levi 1. Gibeon - Known for the biblical event of the sun standing still.

Notable Natural Phenomena 1. Dead Sea - Known for its hypersaline water that makes floating easy. 2. Jordan River - Known as the river where Jesus was baptized. 3. Sea of Galilee - Known for several miracles of Jesus. 4. Mount Nebo - Known as the place where Moses was granted a view of the promised land. 5. Mount Tabor - Known as the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690) 1. The Ottoman Empire took control of Palestine in 1517 and continued to rule until the 20th century. 2. The Jewish community in Hebron was massacred in 1517 during the Ottoman conquest. 3. The Druze rebellion took place in 1660 against the Ottoman rule in the region.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps 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.