c.1746

Copperplate engraving by Gabriel Ramirez.

The full title is: 'El Puerto de Ophir. Ila Antigua Derrota de Tarsis. Map identifying the Solomanic treasure cities Ophir and Tarshish'.

The port of Ophir is mentioned in the Bible as the region where King Solomon's gold came from. The identification of Ophir with Sofala in Mozambique was mentioned by Milton in Paradise Lost. 'De Sabia' is a reference to the legend of The Queen of Sheba. The Empire of Monomatapa had its capital where the Great Zimbabwe ruins are today.

Many Portuguese named coastal points are depicted. Many of these would change to Dutch, German and then English names, as the sea faring powers exerted their territorial influence.

Small mark on bottom right corner, minor creasing.

165 x 96mm

R2,500