Persia, Caspian Sea, done by ye Czar, and Part of Independent Tartary distills the Age of Enlightenment’s thirst for precision into an arresting portrait of a region in motion. Published in London in 1728 by Herman Moll, it draws upon the landmark Russian surveys of the Caspian commissioned by Peter the Great and executed by Karl (Carl) van Verden. Moll frames Persia and the Caucasus within a newly trustworthy Caspian, tying political frontiers to the sea’s remeasured shores and marking the arteries of trade and encounter that radiate from it. The title’s nod to “ye Czar” signals not only source authority but also the geopolitical drama behind the data—imperial science pressed into service of imperial ambition.

The Caspian itself is the map’s protagonist, its outline traced with unusual fidelity after Van Verden’s hydrographic work. To the north, Astrakhan sits amid the spreading fingers of the Volga’s delta; to the west, the Caucasus rise like a fortified spine toward the narrow gate of Derbent. Southward, the lush littoral of Gilan hugs the sea below steep ranges that lift abruptly to Persia’s interior plateau. East and west, rivers gather—some labeled, others implied—showing the Kura and its companion courses hurrying to the sea. Peninsulas and bays are sharpened, the coastline no longer the conjectural crescent of tradition but a measured basin, long and asymmetric, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Moll deftly marries that physical clarity to a political tapestry. Borders thread across provinces and principalities, with Persia’s great seats—Isfahan, Tabriz, and the rising town of Tehran—anchoring routes through the Iranian plateau. Around the inland sea, Baku and Derbent punctuate the Caucasian corridor, while Astrakhan crowns the north as Russia’s gateway. Gilan, marked with care, signals the wealth and strategic sensitivity of the Caspian’s southern shore. Further east, the broad designation of “Independent Tartary” speaks to European perceptions of the steppe’s mobile sovereignties. Deserts and uplands are named and shaded, caravan paths implied by strings of towns, so that political lines and geographic realities collide—mountains funneling movement, rivers dictating commerce, the sea knitting cultures together.

Herman Moll’s hand is unmistakable in the orchestration. A consummate compiler and stylist of early eighteenth‑century London, he transformed the latest reports—state surveys, merchant charts, travelers’ journals—into maps that read like narratives. Here, a decorative title cartouche carries the imprimatur of authority while marginal annotations quietly teach: Van Verden’s travels are cited, distinctions between older conjecture and new measurement are drawn, and the reader is invited to compare hearsay with instrument. Moll’s maps were admired for legibility and for judgment—what to include, what to clarify, what to celebrate—qualities that made him an influential broker of geographical knowledge at a moment when Europe sought to understand, and to reach, the East.

The historical cadence behind the engraving is unmistakable. Peter the Great’s Caspian campaigns and commercial designs thrust Russia toward Persia, with Astrakhan as a staging ground and Derbent as the key to the Caucasian gates; Moll captures that pivot with a network of ports, fortresses, and frontiers. Trade routes curl from Isfahan through Tabriz toward the western shore, while Baku, long famed for its coastal resources, faces the sea that Van Verden had at last measured with rigor. In fixing the Caspian’s true shape, the map reorders strategy and commerce alike: distances recalculated, hazards charted, opportunities newly visible. It is at once a monument to precision and a window onto the ambitions that precision served.

Cities and towns on this map

• Tehran
• Isfahan
• Tabriz
• Baku
• Astrakhan
• Derbent
• Gilan
• Ganja (formerly known as Ganjah)
• Other associated cities and towns listed along trade routes and annotated by Van Verden’s journey

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed outline of the Caspian Sea
• Annotations depicting Karl Van Verden's travels
• Geographic features, including mountain ranges and rivers
• Borders delineating various regions and principalities
• Decorative cartouche containing the map's title and publication details
• Labels identifying desert regions, cities, and notable landmarks

Historical and design context

• Additional Notes: Scarce map of Persia and the Caspian Sea and adjoining regions, published in London by Herman Moll, based upon Carl Van Verden's landmark mapping of the Caspian.
• Creation Date: 1728.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Herman Moll, a noted cartographer known for his detailed maps in the early 18th century.
• Interesting Context about the Mapmaker: Moll was recognized for his contribution to cartography during the Age of Enlightenment and was influential in bringing European attention to the detailed geography of regions like Persia and the Caspian Sea.
• Topics and Themes: The map shows political and physical features of the region, highlighting geography, exploration routes, and interactions between cultures, indicative of rising European interest in the East.
• Countries and Regions: The map covers modern-day Iran, parts of Russia, Azerbaijan, and surrounding areas in Central Asia, showcasing the strategic importance of the Caspian Sea and the surrounding territories.
• Design/Style: The map features ornate cartographic elements, including a decorative title cartouche and detailed annotations. The style reflects the artistic trends of the early 18th century.
• Historical Significance: The map reflects the geopolitical dynamics and trade routes of the era, particularly in relation to the Russian Empire's ambitions in the Caspian region, following exploratory efforts by figures like Van Verden.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

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.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.