Old Port of Benghazi, Libya Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fortres Point, Cape, Compass Rose

"The Port of Benghazi in Barbary," crafted by the esteemed British hydrographer William Heather in 1802, stands as a monumental piece in the cartographic history of the Mediterranean. This chart is a part of Heather's ambitious project, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," which marked the first English endeavor to systematically chart the Mediterranean ports—a domain previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Heather's work is distinguished by its meticulous detail and clarity, setting a new standard in the accuracy and utility of nautical charts for mariners navigating these historically rich waters.

The map is meticulously designed, focusing on the coastal and maritime landscape of Benghazi, a key port on the Libyan coast. It features precise soundings, anchorages, and navigational aids such as a compass rose and a scale of miles, which are crucial for maritime navigation. The orientation of the map with east at the top rather than the traditional north is a noteworthy aspect that aligns with certain nautical chart conventions of the period, enhancing its practical use at sea.

Centered on the bustling port of Benghazi, the map not only charts the immediate coastline but also extends to encompass the surrounding regions including the Gulf of Sidra and the city of Derna. Notable geographical markers such as Fortres Point, Cape Bengazi, and various small islands are clearly delineated. These features provide a glimpse into the strategic maritime and military significance of Benghazi during the early 19th century, a period marked by intense maritime activity and geopolitical maneuvering in the Mediterranean.

Beyond its primary function as a tool for navigation, the map offers a wealth of topographical details that enrich our understanding of the region's landscape during this era. The inclusion of depth measurements in fathoms, details of the seabed, and the locations of fortifications like castles or forts, speak to the dual utility of the chart for both commercial mariners and naval strategists. The depiction of varying water depths and coastal features would have been indispensable for planning safe passages and anchorage.

This chart is not only a navigational aid but also a rare historical artifact. As noted, charts from Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot" are exceedingly scarce, making this map a prized possession for collectors and historians alike. The fine engraving work, likely by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver of the time, adds to its aesthetic and historical value. Owning such a map is akin to possessing a piece of maritime history, offering insight into the age of sail when the Mediterranean was a bustling network of trade and naval power.

In summary, "The Port of Benghazi in Barbary" is more than a navigational chart; it is a window into the past, capturing the intricate details of maritime geography and the art of early 19th-century British cartography. Its precision and rarity underscore its importance not only as a tool for sailors of its time but also as a cherished historical document for modern collectors.

What can be seen on this map

• The Port of Benghazi
• Fortres Point
• Cape Bengazi
• Bengazi Is
• North
• South
• Sea
• Fathoms
• Feet
• Scale of Miles

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The title of the map is "The Port of Benghazi in Barbary"
• The map shows the coastline of Benghazi, Libya.
• The map shows the location of Fortres Point, Bengazi Is, North, Southern I, and Cape Bengazi.
• The map shows the water depths in fathoms.
• The map shows a compass rose.
• The map shows a scale of miles.
• The map shows the variation of the compass.
• The map shows the location of a castle or fort.
• The map shows soundings, or measurements of water depth.

Historical and Design Context

• The map was created by William Heather in 1802.
• Heather was a British hydrographer and publisher who produced a series of charts of the Mediterranean Sea.
• The map is part of Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot", which was the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean.
• The map is oriented with east at the top.
• It includes soundings, some topographical features, anchorages, and other details.
• The map is designed in a simple and functional style, with a focus on providing accurate information to mariners.
• The map is a valuable historical document that provides a glimpse into the maritime history of the Mediterranean Sea.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

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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.

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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.