{"product_id":"old-coastal-map-of-tunisia-and-libya-by-sanson-1655-tunis-tripoli-malta-benghazi-gulf-of-gabes","title":"Old Coastal Map of Tunisia and Libya by Sanson, 1655: Tunis, Tripoli, Malta, Benghazi, Gulf of Gabes","description":"\u003cp\u003ePartie de la Coste de Barbarie en Africque ou sont les Royaumes de Tunis, et Tripoli is Nicolas Sanson’s authoritative 1655 portrait of the Maghrebi littoral at the height of early modern Mediterranean power politics. The sheet follows the long arc of coast from the Gulfs of Tunis and Hammamet eastward past Gabès to the storied bays of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, while glancing north to the southernmost shore of Sicily. It scatters the stepping-stone isles—Malta, Limosa, and Lampedusa—across the Sicilian Channel, situating them as waypoints between Europe and Africa. “Barbarie,” the period term for the region, frames a coastline crowded with ports, caravan gateways, and sea lanes, capturing a corridor where Ottoman regencies, Italian merchants, and Christian orders all contended for influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNicolas Sanson, the “father of French cartography,” reoriented European mapmaking toward disciplined geography and critical sources, and this map distills his method. Working in Paris at the nexus of statecraft and scholarship, he synthesized classical authorities with the latest pilots’ reports and diplomatic intelligence to refine political borders and hydrography. Sanson’s style favors clarity over flourish, yet he never abandoned elegance: toponyms are precisely placed along a mathematically reasoned grid, while a regal cartouche provides a ceremonial frame. His delineation of Tunis and Tripoli exemplifies his hallmark—turning fluid spheres of influence into legible territories—guiding readers from coastal strongholds to the hinterlands that supplied them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong the Tunisian shore, Sanson sets Tunis, Bizerte, and Sousse in their maritime context—a chain of emporia braced by promontories and gulfs. The Cap Bon peninsula thrusts into the sea opposite Sicily, while carefully hatched relief suggests the Tunisian Dorsale, foothills of the Atlas that shelter fertile plains and dictate overland routes. The Medjerda River’s basin, lifeline to the province, points inland toward markets and seasonal pastures. Southward, the seaboard opens toward the treacherous waters of the ancient Syrtis Minor near Gabès, whose shifting shallows long tested pilots. In Sanson’s rendering, coastal indentation, estuaries, and lagoons read like practical sailing notes, even as colored distinctions and firm boundary lines assert the jurisdiction of the Regency of Tunis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEast of the Syrtes, the map traces Tripolitania’s strand—Tripoli commanding the roadstead, Misrata punctuating the littoral, and Benghazi marking the threshold of Cyrenaica. Inland hachures hint at escarpments such as the Jabal Nafusa and the greener highlands farther east, reminding viewers that caravan arteries from Fezzan and the Sahara converged on these ports. Across the Sicilian Channel, Malta stares back—a fortress-island of the Knights of St. John—while Lampedusa and Limosa ride mid-passage as practical staging posts. Between corsair havens, convoy routes, and seasonal winds, Sanson’s coastline doubles as a diagram of navigation and power, the frontier where Ottoman vassals met the watchful squadrons of Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSanson’s decorative intelligence crowns the composition with a sumptuous cartouche draped in nautical motifs—scrolling acanthus, trophies of the sea, and disciplined calligraphy that amplifies authority without obscuring information. Relief is articulated by crisp hatching; water is serenely washed; and the Mediterranean and its gulfs are named with classical sobriety, each choice guiding the eye from political divisions to physical form. Borders between the kingdoms of Tunis and Tripoli are etched with confidence, yet the abundance of ports and islands suggests a world defined as much by passage as by possession. The result is a masterwork where science and statecraft meet—an elegant record of mid-17th-century geopolitics and trade along North Africa’s most consequential shore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCities and towns on this map\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTunisia:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTunis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBizerte\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSousse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLibya:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTripoli\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMisrata\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBenghazi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features \u0026amp; Landmarks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCartouche: Highly ornate, showcasing craftsmanship typical of Sanson's work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeographical Features: Includes mountains, valleys, and extensive coastal lines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBodies of Water: Clearly marked Mediterranean Sea and adjacent gulf regions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIslands: Malta, Limosa, and Lampedusa, among others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBorders: Distinct division lines representing different territories and regions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical and design context\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolitical and physical geography of North Africa during the early modern period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBorders and kingdoms specifically include Tunis and Tripoli.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map features decorative elements typical of the 17th-century engraving style, including a detailed cartouche adorned with nautical motifs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe topographic distinctions are made with hatching and color coding, indicating elevation and water bodies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflects the geopolitical landscape of North Africa during the mid-17th century when European powers were exploring and mapping the region.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepresents significant centers of trade and influence along the Mediterranean coast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/it\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the \u003ca href=\"\/it\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003ebest old maps\u003c\/a\u003e to see if something else catches your eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease \u003ca href=\"\/it\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact me\u003c\/a\u003e to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247550632320,"sku":"UM00294429A","price":84.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247550665088,"sku":"UM00294430A","price":226.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247550697856,"sku":"UM00294431A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247550730624,"sku":"UM00294432A","price":84.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247550763392,"sku":"UM00294433A","price":226.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247550796160,"sku":"UM00294434A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247550828928,"sku":"UM00294435A","price":136.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247550861696,"sku":"UM00294436A","price":301.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247550894464,"sku":"UM00294437A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247550927232,"sku":"UM00294438A","price":157.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247550960000,"sku":"UM00294439A","price":344.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247550992768,"sku":"UM00294440A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551025536,"sku":"UM00294441A","price":157.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551058304,"sku":"UM00294442A","price":344.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551091072,"sku":"UM00294443A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551123840,"sku":"UM00294444A","price":178.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551156608,"sku":"UM00294445A","price":515.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551189376,"sku":"UM00294446A","price":579.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551222144,"sku":"UM00294447A","price":178.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551254912,"sku":"UM00294448A","price":515.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551287680,"sku":"UM00294449A","price":579.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551320448,"sku":"UM00294450A","price":178.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551353216,"sku":"UM00294451A","price":515.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551385984,"sku":"UM00294452A","price":579.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551418752,"sku":"UM00294453A","price":247.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551451520,"sku":"UM00294454A","price":708.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551484288,"sku":"UM00294455A","price":708.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551517056,"sku":"UM00294456A","price":247.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551549824,"sku":"UM00294457A","price":708.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551582592,"sku":"UM00294458A","price":708.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551615360,"sku":"UM00294459A","price":354.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551648128,"sku":"UM00294460A","price":1641.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551680896,"sku":"UM00294461A","price":1544.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551713664,"sku":"UM00294462A","price":494.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551746432,"sku":"UM00294463A","price":1994.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551779200,"sku":"UM00294464A","price":1876.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551811968,"sku":"UM00294465A","price":654.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551844736,"sku":"UM00294466A","price":3002.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551877504,"sku":"UM00294467A","price":2788.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58247551910272,"sku":"UM00294468A","price":1105.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58247551943040,"sku":"UM00294469A","price":4020.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58247551975808,"sku":"UM00294470A","price":3752.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_9920d171-ba1c-454e-a14d-1fe8f437785a.jpg?v=1781124827","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.net\/it\/products\/old-coastal-map-of-tunisia-and-libya-by-sanson-1655-tunis-tripoli-malta-benghazi-gulf-of-gabes","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}