Beleg van Narva, 1700 1735

This is an anonymous map from 1700, depicting the siege of Narva, a key moment in the Great Northern War. The map provides a bird's-eye view of the siege, detailing troop placements and fortifications. Cartography at this time was not just about geography; it was deeply intertwined with power, strategy, and national identity. These maps were tools of war, influencing military decisions. Embedded within the visual language of the map are the faces of leadership and the notion of territory. Note the symbols used to demarcate the opposing forces. How do these choices reflect contemporary attitudes toward warfare and national identity? While seemingly objective, maps are never neutral. This detailed rendering of Narva's siege subtly reinforces the authority of the Swedish Empire. Consider the human cost obscured by this representation. What stories remain untold in this carefully constructed image of war?