17th century map of Malta

A fine map of Malta, with the south coast of Sicily and North Africa including Tunis & Tripoli, with an inset plan of Valletta. It is based on a map by French engineer Sébastien Pontault de Beaulieu, who is regarded as the first military topographer. He drew several maps of Mediterranean islands and their defences during the Ottoman wars, often decorated with a frame-like border like this. The vignette sea battle between a galleon and two galleys highlight the threat from Barbary pirates from Tunis and Tripoli.