Rare Old Map of Romania and Bulgaria by Ortelius, 1603: Danube River, Carpathian Mountains, Black Sea, Dacia, Moesia

Abraham Ortelius, the renowned cartographer, created the "Daciarum, Moesiarumque, Vetus Descriptio" in 1603, a map that vividly captures the historical and geographical essence of ancient Dacia and Moesia. This exquisite piece, part of Ortelius's Parergon, the world's first historical atlas, is a testament to his deep curiosity about classical antiquity. The map extends from Germany in the west to the Black Sea in the east, and from Eastern Europe in the north to Greece in the south, meticulously illustrating the regions that correspond to modern-day Romania and Bulgaria. Ortelius's dedication to historical accuracy and detail is evident in every aspect of this map, making it a valuable artifact for both historians and collectors.

The map is oriented northward and showcases the intricate physical geography of the region, including numerous mountain ranges and rivers. The Danube River, or Danubius flu., is prominently featured, cutting through the center of the map and serving as a natural divider between various regions. The Black Sea, though occupying a small part of the map, is intricately shaded to give the appearance of choppy waters, highlighting the navigational challenges posed by sandbars in areas like Stethe. This attention to detail not only provides a sense of the physical landscape but also underscores the strategic importance of these waterways in ancient times.

Ortelius's map is adorned with three strapwork cartouches, each adding a layer of historical and artistic value. The title cartouche, the most elaborate, includes a list of cities whose locations remain uncertain, adorned with texture and small figural elements. Another cartouche in the upper right corner dedicates the map to the Bavarian Duke Johann Georg of Werdenstein, a well-known bibliophile, adding a personal touch to this historical document. The third cartouche contains a passage from Ovid’s Tristia ex Ponto about the Greek leader Flaccus at the Bosporus Strait, further enriching the map with classical literary references.

The map also provides a detailed look at the Roman provinces of Sarmatia, Germania, Pannonia, Dalmatia, and Thracia, reflecting the political landscape of the time. The largest city depicted is Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, the capital of the Roman province of Dacia, which played a crucial role in Roman military operations in the Balkans. Other notable cities include Romulianum, built by the Roman Emperor Galerius in the fourth century CE, and various settlements along the Danube River, each drawn as miniature views. These cities are not just geographical markers but are imbued with historical significance, representing the Roman Empire's extensive colonization and military endeavors.

Ortelius's Parergon maps, including this one, were a project of personal interest and are considered his greatest achievement. His skill and knowledge of the area's history and geography are clearly evident in the meticulous hand-drawn details of each map. The Parergon was initially published as a supplement to the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum and later as a standalone atlas, reflecting Ortelius's dedication to preserving and illustrating the classical world. This map, with its rich historical context and detailed depiction of ancient regions, is not just a cartographic masterpiece but also a window into the past, offering a glimpse of the world as it was known in antiquity.

Cities and towns on this map

• Modern-day Romania:
• Burebista
• Sarmizegetusa (Zarmizogethusa)
• Romulianum
• Singidava (Zingidava)
• Sextantaprista (Sextanta Pristis)
• Modern-day Bulgaria:
• Bizon (Bizona)
• Thrace (Thracum)
• Tomis
• Marcianopolis
• Nove
• Nicopolis ad Istrum

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Physical features:
• Danube River (Danubius flu.)
• Carpathian Mountains (Carpec montes)
• Black Sea (Ponti Euxini)
• Ciabrus River (Cebrus)
• Cartouches:
• Title cartouche with a list of cities
• Dedication cartouche to Duke Johann Georg of Werdenstein
• Cartouche with a passage from Ovid’s Tristia ex Ponto
• Roman provinces:
• Sarmatia
• Germania
• Pannonia
• Dalmatia
• Thracia
• Historical references:
• Passage from Ovid’s Tristia ex Ponto
• References to Ptolemy, Pliny, and Arrian

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1603
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Ortelius is best known for his world atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, but he considered the Parergon, a historical atlas, his greatest achievement.
• Themes and topics:
• Historical geography: Depicts ancient regions of Dacia and Moesia, corresponding to modern-day Romania and Bulgaria.
• Physical geography: Shows mountain ranges, rivers (notably the Danube River), and the Black Sea.
• Political geography: Divides the land into five Roman provinces: Sarmatia, Germania, Pannonia, Dalmatia, and Thracia.
• Classical antiquity: Cites ancient scholars like Ptolemy, Pliny, and Arrian.
• Design and style:
• Orientation: Northward
• City views: Cities are drawn as miniature views, especially emphasized along the Danube River.
• Detailing: Intricate shading of the Black Sea to represent choppy waters.
• Historical significance:
• Part of Ortelius's Parergon, the world's first historical atlas.
• Reflects Roman colonization and military operations in Dacia and Moesia.
• Shows the Roman provinces' political and physical geography during the Roman Empire.

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 70in (180cm). 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 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.

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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.