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This detailed map of Circulus Sueviae (Swabian Circle) by Johann Baptist Homann depicts the southern German regions of Württemberg, Swabia, and adjacent territories in the early 18th century. The map captures the complex political and geographical landscape of the region, emphasizing the territorial fragmentation within the Holy Roman Empire. The Swabian Circle is shown as a mosaic of duchies, bishoprics, free imperial cities, and abbeys, each meticulously engraved and color-coded to distinguish their jurisdictions.
Prominent rivers on the map include the Rhine, forming part of the western boundary and linking important towns, the Neckar, which flows through Württemberg and connects Stuttgart and Tübingen, and the Danube, crossing the southeastern portion of the map, with Ulm situated along its banks. The Iller River further marks the border between Württemberg and Bavaria. Key cities and towns such as Stuttgart, Ulm, Reutlingen, and Heilbronn are carefully labeled. Stuttgart, the capital of Württemberg and Ulm are shown, as are Heilbronn and Reutlingen, both free imperial cities.
The 17th-century history of the Swabian Circle was marked by the devastating impact of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). The region suffered heavy population loss, economic decline, and the destruction of numerous towns and villages. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) brought an end to the conflict, but the fragmented political order persisted. Swabia remained divided between Protestant and Catholic factions, with Württemberg emerging as a significant Protestant duchy that gradually rebuilt its power and economy.
The early 18th century saw the region embroiled in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), as it became a strategic battleground for conflicts between French, Habsburg, and Bavarian forces. After the war, Swabia entered a period of relative peace and economic recovery. Trade along the Danube and Rhine flourished, fostering prosperity in cities such as Ulm and Stuttgart, which became important centers of commerce and governance.
Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) was a mapmaker who founded the famous Homann Heirs publishing company. He lived his entire life in Bavaria, particularly in Nuremberg. Initially, Johann trained to become a priest before converting to Protestantism and working as a notary.
In 1702, Johann founded a publishing house that specialized in engravings. The firm flourished, becoming the leading map publisher in Germany and an important entity in the European map market. In 1715, Johann was named Imperial Geographer to the Holy Roman Empire by Charles VI and made a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences. Most importantly for his business, his reputation and contacts gained him imperial printing privileges which protected his publications and recommended him to customers. Johann is best known for this Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt, or the Grand Atlas of the World, published in 1716.
After Johann died in 1724, the business passed to his son, Christoph (1703-1730). Upon Christoph’s early death, the company passed to subsequent heirs, with the name of the company changing to Homann Erben, or Homann Heirs. The firm continued in business until 1848.
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