Old Map of Brandenburg by Ortelius, 1598: Berlin, Albis River, Oder River, Marchia Media, Ornate Design

The "Brandeburgensis Marchae Descriptio," crafted by the illustrious cartographer Abraham Ortelius in 1598, is a masterful depiction of the Brandenburg and Berlin regions. Ortelius, renowned for his seminal work "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," the first modern atlas, brings his exceptional cartographic skills to this detailed map. The map meticulously illustrates the Albis and Oder River regions, extending into the historically rich area of Silesia. This map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a historical document, providing insight into the political and physical landscape of late 16th-century Germany.

Ortelius's map is a visual feast, adorned with ornate cartouches and decorative borders that reflect the artistic sensibilities of the Renaissance period. The intricate illustrations of ships and sea creatures add a touch of whimsy and wonder, inviting viewers to explore the map's many details. The use of classical Latin script for place names and descriptions further enhances its historical authenticity and aesthetic appeal. This map is not just a navigational tool but a work of art that captures the imagination and transports the viewer to a bygone era.

The "Brandeburgensis Marchae Descriptio" focuses on the regions surrounding the Albis and Oder Rivers, highlighting the significant geographical features of the area. The map details various forests, hills, and mountains, providing a comprehensive view of the natural landscape. The rivers themselves are prominently featured, serving as vital waterways that have shaped the region's history and development. The detailed depiction of these natural landmarks underscores the importance of geography in understanding the historical and cultural context of the Brandenburg region.

The map also offers a detailed look at the political boundaries and administrative divisions of the time. It delineates the counties and states within the Brandenburg region, including Marchia Antiqua (Old March), Marchia Media (Middle March), and Marchia Nova (New March). This level of detail provides valuable insight into the political landscape of the late 16th century, reflecting the complex and often turbulent history of the area. The inclusion of these boundaries makes the map an essential resource for historians and enthusiasts alike, offering a window into the past.

Among the many cities and towns featured on the map are Berlin, Brandenburg, Frankfurt (Oder), and Potsdam, each with its own unique historical significance. These settlements, along with numerous others, are meticulously plotted, showcasing Ortelius's commitment to accuracy and detail. The map also highlights various other towns and natural landmarks, creating a rich tapestry of the region's geography and history. This map is not just a representation of physical space but a chronicle of the human settlements and natural features that have shaped the Brandenburg region over centuries.

Cities and towns on this map

• Berlin
• Brandenburg
• Frankfurt (Oder)
• Potsdam
• Cottbus
• Prenzlau
• Neubrandenburg
• Rathenow
• Eberswalde
• Oranienburg
• Perleberg
• Jüterbog
• Luckenwalde
• Wittenberge
• Templin
• Königs Wusterhausen
• Fürstenwalde
• Angermünde
• Bernau
• Spremberg
• Schwedt
• Bad Freienwalde
• Hennigsdorf
• Hohen Neuendorf
• Falkensee
• Strausberg
• Eisenhüttenstadt
• Werder (Havel)
• Havelberg
• Wriezen

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• Albis River
• Oder River
• Forests:
• Several forested areas marked on the map.
• Decorative elements:
• Ornate cartouches
• Decorative borders
• Illustrations of ships and sea creatures
• Historical regions:
• Marchia Antiqua (Old March)
• Marchia Media (Middle March)
• Marchia Nova (New March)
• Borders and boundaries:
• Detailed county and state boundaries
• Natural landmarks:
• Various hills and mountains

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Brandeburgensis Marchae Descriptio
• Focus areas: The map focuses on the Albis River and Oder River regions in Germany, extending to Silesia.
• Date created: 1598
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Context about the mapmaker: Abraham Ortelius was a renowned cartographer and geographer, known for creating the first modern atlas, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (Theatre of the World).
• Themes and topics shown on the map:
• Political boundaries: County and state boundaries within the Brandenburg region.
• Physical features: Rivers (Albis and Oder), forests, and other natural landmarks.
• Historical context: Reflects the political and geographical understanding of the late 16th century.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Germany: Brandenburg, Berlin, and surrounding areas.
• Silesia: A historical region that is now part of modern-day Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
• Design and style:
• Artistic elements: Ornate cartouches, decorative borders, and detailed illustrations.
• Typography: Classical Latin script for place names and descriptions.
• Historical significance:
• Cultural insight: Provides a glimpse into the geographical knowledge and cartographic techniques of the late 16th century.
• Historical documentation: Valuable for understanding the historical political boundaries and physical geography of the Brandenburg region.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.