Reproductie van een plattegrond van het Circus Maximus in Rome, Italië before 1866

This reproduction of a map depicts the Circus Maximus in Rome. It was printed at an unknown date, by an anonymous artist. Consider the labor involved in creating this intricate rendering. It’s not just a quick sketch, but a carefully constructed image. The sharp lines and detailed labels suggest a precise printing process, likely involving techniques like etching or engraving, where the image is incised into a metal plate, inked, and then transferred to paper. This craft demands skilled hands and tools, embodying hours of focused work. The map is part of a wider system of knowledge production and dissemination, a commercial endeavor that involves writers, printers, and publishers. It represents not just the Circus Maximus, but also the social and economic structures that enabled its creation and circulation. It is a valuable resource for understanding the topography of ancient Rome, but also how the past is mediated and consumed.