May not depict actual map.

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The first published map devoted to the Pacific and the most important i6th century map to show the Spanish domination of the South Seas .

Maris Pacifici illustrates the lengths to which the Spanish had gone, in order to establish some control over any possible sea passage to the East Indies via South America . Their intentions are clearly depicted in the illustration (together with notation) of Ferdinand Magellan's flagship the Victoria entering the Pacific after having circumnavigated the globe. This was an active time for the Spanish who were now expanding their influence and exploration west of Mexico City . Although on his world map Ortelius questions the island status of New Guinea , here he clearly depicts the country as an island. The Solomon Islands are charted not only too close to New Guinea , but also substantially larger than they are in reality.

Terra Australis Incognita is clearly delineated as a coastline incorporating Tierra del Fuego and sloping up across the Pacific towards New Guinea .

Abraham Ortelius first published his magnificent Theatrum Orbis Terrarum atlas in 1570. It was regarded as the first 'modern' atlas, as all the maps were engraved with a similar format and the same size. Theatrum went through many editions and changes, with some maps being removed and others being added. Maris Pacifici was one such map. Although the map was prepared in 1589, its first appearance in an Ortelius atlas was in 1590.

This information is adopted from the Printed World catalogue series, one of the most enjoyable and informative Australian Antique map catalogues available, created and compiled by Simon Dewez .

View map online on http://www.antiquemapart.com/map/1