Lauro’s map of the Roman Empire

A historical map depicting the territorial extent of the Roman Empire at its height, spanning from Britain to Parthia and the Sahara to the Mediterranean. Key regions and ancient cities - including Rome, Carthage, and Alexandria are prominently labelled. The map is one of the plates from Lauro’s Antiquae Urbis Splendor, first published in 1612, a celebrated work documenting the monuments, architecture, and history of ancient Rome. The book highlights Rome’s temples, theatres, triumphal arches, and mausoleums, alongside descriptions of notable Roman figures and their achievements. At the base of the map are two medallion portraits: Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, and the allegorical figure of Roma, representing the eternal city. These symbolic elements frame the map as both a geographic and artistic homage to Roman imperial grandeur. Accompanied by engraved Latin text, Lauro’s map blends cartographic accuracy with classical imagery, serving as both a scholarly and visual tribute to Rome’s enduring legacy.