Plattegrond van Rome ten tijde van keizer Augustus (onderste blad)

Jacob Bos created this print of Rome at the time of Emperor Augustus sometime between 1520 and 1580. This highly detailed engraving offers a bird's-eye view of the ancient city, meticulously rendered to evoke its grandeur and complexity. Made during the Renaissance, this map reflects a renewed interest in classical antiquity. It served not just as a geographical tool but as a cultural statement, connecting the present with the past. Note how the map meticulously reconstructs the ancient city, imbuing it with a sense of historical continuity and cultural authority, evoking a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the Roman Empire. Such prints were commissioned and collected by wealthy patrons and institutions keen to demonstrate their knowledge of history and their refined tastes. Researching the mapmakers’ archives and the libraries of the elite will reveal the map’s place in society. This map reminds us that our understanding of the past is always filtered through the values and interests of the present.