This map of the Klodzko region, located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship of modern-day Poland, depicts the region shortly after it was annexed by Prussia.
The map highlights key towns such as Glatz (now Kłodzko), the central town historically serving as the administrative and economic hub; Neurode (now Nowa Ruda), positioned strategically near the Bohemian border; and Reichenstein (now Złoty Stok), known historically for its gold mines. The Nysa Kłodzka River (Latin: Neisse) flows prominently through the region, shaping settlement patterns and sustaining the agricultural economy.
The map's Latin legend ("Notarum Explicatio") offers insight into the cartographic symbols used. The walled city or town, labeled "Urbs moenibus cincta," is depicted by a detailed fortress-like icon, while the unwalled town, "Urbs communis sine moenibus," is represented by a simpler symbol. Smaller market towns or "Oppida" are marked with minimalistic icons. The legend also identifies castles or palatial residences of nobility ("Arx et palatium nobilium") by a tower with a flag, and deserted or ruined castles ("Arx deserta antiqua") with distinct imagery. Villages with churches ("Pagus cum templo") are symbolized by a cross, while those without churches ("Pagus sine templo") are marked by a simple village icon. Solitary chapels and churches are noted as "Templum et sacellum solitarium," and sites with religious or miraculous icons are labeled "Imago miraculosa." Major routes, such as royal roads ("Via regia"), are represented by a distinctive straight line with a diagonal slash.
In the 18th century, the County of Kłodzko was a contested region due to its strategic location between Silesia, Bohemia, and Prussia. Historically a part of the Bohemian Crown under the Habsburg Monarchy, the region held significant value for its trade routes and defensive position along the Sudeten Mountains. The map was produced during a period marked by territorial disputes, including the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) and the Silesian Wars (1740-1763), which culminated in Prussian expansion under Frederick the Great. Although the County of Kłodzko was originally under Habsburg control, it was taken in 1742 and finally annexed by Prussia following the Treaty of Hubertusburg in 1763.
Homann Heirs was a German publishing firm that enjoyed a major place in the European map market throughout the eighteenth century. Founded in 1702 by Johann Baptist Homann, the business passed to his son, Christoph, upon Johann’s death in 1724. Christoph died in 1730, aged only 27, and the firm was inherited by subsequent Homann heirs. This altered the name of the company, which was known as Homann Erben, or Homann heirs. The firm continued in business until 1848.