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This engraved map, produced for The History of the World by Sir Walter Raleigh, first published in 1614, is a striking early 17th-century representation of the ancient Near East. It reflects Renaissance-era biblical and classical scholarship, blending historical geography with religious tradition. The map prominently labels regions such as Mesopotamia, Chaldea, The Great Desert of Arabia, and Arabia the Happie The North Part, referencing the classical notion of "Arabia Felix" as a fertile and prosperous land. The inclusion of biblical landmarks such as Eden and Paradise underscores the early modern European fascination with locating the Garden of Eden, often associated with the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
The map also traces Abraham's journey, marking his passage from Ur and Charran (Haran), where, according to Genesis, Abraham dwelled before traveling to Canaan.
Babylon is prominently depicted. The map also notes Palmyra (Tadmor), famed for its role as a desert trading hub and later as the seat of Queen Zenobia’s rebellion against Rome. Other ancient and biblical sites, such as Allepo, Sipphara (Sippar), and Rhesipha, are scattered throughout.
The engraving style reflects the influence of early English cartography, with stylized mountain ranges, rivers, and coastlines rendered in a decorative yet functional manner.
![[ Promised Lands to the Bordes of Elam or Persia ] Vorstellung der Gegenden zwischen dem gelobten Land und den Grenzen von Elam oder Persien, wie sie in den alten Zeiten bekannt gewesen.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/94693.jpg)
![[ Arabian Peninsula ] Sexta Asie Tabula [Arabia Felix.]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/84313.jpg)