Rare Pigafetta Map of Africa, 1598: Ancient Chart of Nile, Sahara, Cape of Good Hope, Madagascar

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of African geography with "A discripsion of Aegipt from Cair downeward," a map of unparalleled historical and aesthetic value. Crafted in 1598 by Filippo Pigafetta, an illustrious figure in the realm of cartography, and engraved with meticulous detail by Natale Bonifacio, this map was published by the esteemed De Bry. Pigafetta's creation was inspired by the adventurous tales of Portuguese explorer Duarte Lopes, whose observations between 1578 and 1584 painted a vivid picture of Africa's heartland. This map stands as a testament to the era's thirst for exploration and understanding, offering a window into the continent's complex geography from the Mediterranean's northern shores to the Cape's southern tip, excluding West Africa to highlight areas of Portuguese interest.

Pigafetta's masterpiece diverges boldly from the traditional Ptolemaic depictions that dominated cartographic representations of Africa's interior. Rejecting the notion of twin lakes near the Mountains of the Moon as the Nile's source, Pigafetta presents a revolutionary perspective with two lakes positioned one above the other. The southern lake breathes life into the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, while the northern counterpart feeds the Nile and the Zaire, challenging and correcting centuries-old misconceptions. This map's significance is further amplified by its inclusion of a third, smaller lake to the west, identified as the Congo River's source, showcasing Pigafetta's commitment to accuracy and exploration-driven cartography.

The map's design is a feast for the eyes, adorned with wind heads and sea monsters that capture the era's imaginative spirit. Its Ptolemaic style, with the prime meridian running through the Canary Islands, is a nod to classical traditions, yet it boldly charts new territories and phenomena. From the majestic Nile River and the expansive Sahara Desert to the mysterious Ethiopian Highlands and the rugged Atlas Mountains, Pigafetta's map is a detailed political and physical exploration of a continent teeming with natural wonders and geopolitical intrigue.

Beyond its geographical offerings, the map serves as a historical document of immense value. It provides a snapshot of Africa as understood in the late 16th century, highlighting the continent's cities, towns, and regions with remarkable precision. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the strategic importance of the Cape of Good Hope, each location is meticulously documented, offering insights into the continent's diverse cultures, economies, and landscapes. This map is not merely a navigational tool but a bridge connecting past and present, inviting modern viewers to trace the footsteps of explorers who shaped our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, "A discripsion of Aegipt from Cair downeward" is more than a map; it is a historical artifact that encapsulates the spirit of an era marked by curiosity, exploration, and discovery. Filippo Pigafetta's visionary work, brought to life by Natale Bonifacio's skilled engraving and published by De Bry, stands as a monument to the enduring quest for knowledge. It invites luxury collectors and aficionados of history alike to own a piece of the past that continues to inspire and educate, offering a timeless connection to the rich and complex tapestry of Africa's geographical and cultural heritage.

Cities and towns on this map

• Addis Ababa
• Dire Dawa
• Mekele
• Gondar
• Bahir Dar
• Awassa
• Dessie
• Jimma
• Harar
• Adama
• Cairo
• Alexandria
• Giza
• Port Said
• Suez
• Luxor
• Aswan
• Hurghada
• Sharm el-Sheikh
• Ismailia
• Marsa Matruh
• Asyut
• Sohag
• Minya
• Beni Suef
• Fayoum
• Qena
• Damietta
• Rosetta
• Tanta
• Mansoura
• El Mahalla El Kubra
• Kafr el-Sheikh
• Shibin el-Kom
• Zagazig
• Banha
• Bilbeis
• Damanhur
• Samannud
• Mallawi
• Girga
• Abu Qurqas
• Qalyub
• El-Arish
• Khartoum
• Omdurman
• Port Sudan
• Kassala

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Prime Meridian
• Tropic of Cancer
• Equator
• Tropic of Capricorn
• Mountains
• Nile River
• Red Sea
• Arabian Sea
• Mediterranean Sea
• Sahara Desert
• Ethiopian Highlands
• Cape of Good Hope
• Madagascar

Historical and design context

• Created in 1598 by Filippo Pigafetta, engraved by Natale Bonifacio, published by De Bry
• Illustrates Pigafetta's account of Portuguese explorer Duarte Lopes' observations between 1578 and 1584
• A revolutionary rejection of the Ptolemaic depiction of the interior of Africa
• Shows two lakes in central Africa, challenging traditional geographic notions
• Places a third, smaller lake to the west as the source of the Congo River
• A Ptolemaic-style map with the prime meridian running through the Canary Islands
• Decorated with wind heads and sea monsters

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 100in (250cm). 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

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 - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

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.