Latvia / Estonia / Ingermanland / Wiburg / Novgorod
Detailed map of the Latvia, Estonia and the area around St. Petersburg, from Von Reilly's Schauplatz der fünf Theile der Welt.
Von Reilly's work was issued in multiple volumes and grew to over 1000 maps in total, and was published in three parts between 1789 and 1806 in Vienna.
This 1790 ma intricately details the northwestern administrative divisions of the Russian Empire, specifically focusing on the governorates of Riga (Duchy of Livonia), Reval (Duchy of Estonia), Saint Petersburg (Province of Ingermanland), Wiburg, and Novgorod. The map was created during a period of significant territorial administration and reorganization within the Russian Empire under the reign of Catherine the Great.
The map prominently features major cities such as Saint Petersburg, Riga, Reval (modern-day Tallinn), and Novgorod, highlighting their importance as administrative and cultural centers. The cartography also delineates several key rivers and lakes that played crucial roles in the region's economy and transportation. Notable rivers include the Neva, Daugava (Western Dvina), and Volkhov, which were vital for trade and movement. The map also marks significant lakes such as Lake Peipus and Lake Ladoga, emphasizing their geographic and strategic importance.
During the late 18th century, the regions depicted on this map were undergoing significant transformations under the governance of Catherine the Great. The map reflects the administrative restructuring aimed at consolidating Russian control and promoting economic development. The incorporation of these territories into the Russian Empire involved integrating diverse populations, fostering economic growth, and enhancing infrastructure.
In particular, Saint Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, had rapidly grown into a major port and the capital of the Russian Empire. It became a symbol of Russia's aspirations towards Westernization and modernization. Riga and Reval, historically significant as part of the Hanseatic League, continued to be important trade hubs, linking the Russian interior with the Baltic Sea and broader European markets.