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This late 18th-century map details the regions of Slavonia and Syrmia, territories that once held significant strategic and economic importance within the Habsburg Monarchy. The map delineates the topography, political boundaries, and urban centers of the time, providing a meticulous record of these historical regions as they stood in the 1790s.
In the context of the Habsburg Monarchy's territorial administration, Slavonia and Syrmia were integral regions, both geographically and politically. Slavonia, nestled between the Drava and Sava rivers, was known for its fertile plains and rich agricultural output. The map clearly marks major rivers such as the Drava and the Sava, which were critical for transportation and trade. The city of Osijek, a prominent urban center in Slavonia, is highlighted. Osijek's position on the Drava River made it a crucial hub for commerce and military logistics, particularly as a defensive outpost against Ottoman incursions.
To the south, Syrmia is depicted with its distinct topographical features and settlements. The Danube River, forming the northern boundary, is prominently illustrated, reflecting its importance as a major waterway. The map marks the significant towns of Sremska Mitrovica and Vukovar. Sremska Mitrovica, located on the banks of the Sava River, is noteworthy for its Roman heritage as the ancient city of Sirmium, once one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. Vukovar, positioned on the Danube, is similarly emphasized, underscoring its historical role as a vibrant center of trade and culture.
Franz Johann Joseph Reilly, an Austrian publisher, cartographer, and writer active between 1766 and 1820, contributed significantly to the field of cartography with his ambitious atlas project, "Schauplatz der fünf Theile der Welt" (Stage of the Five Parts of the World), undertaken from 1789 to 1806. Despite the extensive nature of his work, which produced over 830 maps, Reilly's focus remained exclusively on Europe, leaving the maps of the other four continents conceptualized but unpublished. His commitment to a uniform criterion for map drawing underscores the meticulous standards and aspirations of Enlightenment-era scholarship and cartography.
