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Rare Rivers of Time Map of The Roman Empire

Girolamo Andre Martignoni’s map of the Roman Empire is a unique and intricately designed thematic map, which stands out for its artistic representation of time and space, where rivers symbolize the flow of history and geographical features are aligned with significant historical developments. 

Intended as both a geographic and historical teaching tool, this map blends cartography with narrative, offering an innovative method to explore the profound impact of Rome on European civilization. 

The map’s centerpiece features two depictions of the Mediterranean basin, symbolizing the Roman Empire's heart and its dominion over Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The circular layout of the map radiates outward from these twin representations, reflecting the Empire’s historical divisions and territorial expansions. This structural design makes clear the Empire’s central role in shaping the contours of European history, while visually guiding the viewer through the centuries of Roman influence.

In this second state of the map, Martignoni adds bird's-eye views of key European cities—Constantinople, Madrid, Vienna, Rome, Paris, and London—within oval frames surrounding the central Mediterranean maps. These cities, significant in their own right, represent the Roman Empire's lasting legacy and the continuity of its influence in the political and cultural development of early 18th-century Europe. By juxtaposing these modern metropolises with the ancient Roman world, Martignoni suggests that the Empire’s impact reverberates across time, linking ancient history with the modern age. 

Martignoni’s Imago Romani Imperii employs a sophisticated visual analogy between geography and history. The upper register of the map depicts Europe at the height of the Roman Empire, with the territories labeled using their ancient Roman names. Surrounding the central maps are six symbolic islands representing key regions of the Empire—Greece and Turkey, Spain, Germany and Switzerland, Italy, France, and Britain. These islands, connected by rivers, symbolize the flow of Roman authority across Europe and beyond, illustrating the spread of Roman civilization.

In contrast, the lower register presents Europe as it existed in Martignoni’s time, divided into 18th-century political boundaries. The rivers in this section, overlaid with concentric circles, represent the passage of centuries, and they highlight the historical evolution of European nations that emerged after the fall of Rome. Through this juxtaposition of ancient and modern Europe, Martignoni offers a narrative of historical continuity, linking the rise and fall of the Roman Empire with the political developments of his own era. 

The map is further adorned with heraldic symbols and coats of arms, adding a decorative yet informative layer to the cartographic narrative. Six fully detailed coats of arms represent prominent territories that once belonged to the Roman Empire, while a multitude of smaller, blank shields suggest Martignoni’s anticipation of future updates and additional historical insights. 

The creation of Imago Romani Imperii occurred during the Age of Enlightenment, a period when scholars and artists in Italy and beyond were deeply engaged with the legacy of Ancient Rome. Italy, as the seat of the former Roman Empire, became the epicenter of this intellectual revival. Martignoni’s work, reflecting the era's fascination with classical antiquity, sought to draw a direct connection between the ancient past and the present, offering a map that was as much a historical chart as it was a geographic depiction.

This map's educational purpose is clear: it was designed to make the complexities of European history—particularly the role of Rome—accessible to viewers in a methodical and visual way. Martignoni’s integration of geographic space with historical time, represented through rivers and lakes, creates a striking analogy between the flow of water and the progression of nations and empires. The streams at the top of the map represent the territories conquered by the Roman Empire, while those at the bottom symbolize the nations that emerged in its wake. The central lake, representing the Empire itself, serves as the focal point of the historical narrative. 

Imago Romani Imperii is a rare and fascinating example of Enlightenment-era cartography that combines historical analysis with artistic ingenuity. Martignoni’s map not only represents the geography of the Roman Empire but also serves as a visual timeline of its influence on European history. By blending traditional cartographic elements with symbolic representations of time and historical progression, Martignoni created a powerful educational tool that remains a significant contribution to both historical and thematic cartography. His work, while lesser known than that of some of his contemporaries, stands out for its innovative approach to depicting the intersection of geography and history, offering a nuanced understanding of the Roman Empire’s enduring legacy. 

States of the Map

There are two states of the map:

• State 1 (1718):  Lacking birdseye views and  inscription at the bottom which reads “Barth. Joseph Tasniere sculp. Taurini 1718”.
• State 2  (1721): Inscription added: Barth. Joseph Tasniere sculp. Taurini 1718.   Adds bird’s-eye-views of Constantinople, Madrid, Vienna, Rome, Paris, and London in the oval frames surrounding the central imagery.  

Rarity

The map is very rare on the market.

This is the third example we have offered for sale (1992-2024).