Greece & Balkans - Wells 1700

Wells’s Map of Ancient Greece and the Balkans (1700)

Title: A New Map of Antient Greece, Thrace, Moesia, Illyricum and the Isles adjoining
Cartographer: Edward Wells
Origin: Oxford / London, United Kingdom
Date: 1700
Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand-colouring

The Narrative: A Royal Lesson in Classical Geography

This map tells the story of the rigorous classical education favored by the English elite at the dawn of the 18th century. Part of a series dedicated to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, the map was designed by Edward Wells specifically to teach the young heir about the historical geography of the ancient world. By mapping the Roman provinces of Dacia, Pannonia, and Illyricum alongside the heartland of Ancient Greece, Wells provided a visual framework for studying the legendary campaigns and civilizations of antiquity.

It presents a scholarly view of the Mediterranean and Balkan regions, stretching from the Alps and the Danube down to the Peloponnesus and Crete. For the 18th-century gentleman, this was more than a map; it was an essential tool for navigating the classical texts that formed the bedrock of Western intellectual life.

Chronicles of the Map

• Royal Dedication: The elaborate cartouche on the left features a formal dedication to Prince William, son of Queen Anne, complete with the royal coat of arms supported by the lion and unicorn.

• Classical Provinces: The map meticulously outlines ancient territories including Macedonia, Thessalia, and Epirus, using vibrant hand-colouring to distinguish these historical divisions.

• Scientific Pedigree: Reflecting the academic environment of Oxford, the map includes two "Scales of English Miles" based on the differing computations of the famous astronomers Picart and Riccioli.

• Historical Landmarks: Notable ancient sites such as Byzantium, Troy, and the islands of the Aegean are clearly marked, bridging the gap between geographic reality and classical literature.