Fine old color example of Blaeu's regional map of of the Duchy of Lüneburg.
Extends from Hamburg to Wolfenbuttel, showing the lower Albis River. Bremen, Lunenborg, Nienborg, Brunswig, Magedburg and Oldenburg also appear on the map.
The map represents a significant historical artifact, illuminating the complex socio-political landscape of early 17th-century Northern Germany. This period, characterized by the turbulence of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), was a time of shifting alliances, territorial disputes, and religious conflicts. The map not only delineates the geographical boundaries of the Duchy of Lüneburg and its adjacent regions but also symbolizes the intricate tapestry of power, culture, and conflict during this era.
The Duchy of Lüneburg, a principal territory within the Holy Roman Empire, experienced significant upheaval during the early 17th century. The Thirty Years' War, primarily a religious conflict between Protestant and Catholic states, engulfed the German territories in a maelstrom of violence, famine, and disease. The Duchy, predominantly Protestant, found itself frequently at odds with the Catholic Habsburgs, who sought to consolidate their power over the German principalities.
The map features several major cities, each with its unique historical significance. Lüneburg, the ducal seat, was known for its rich salt mines, which played a crucial role in the region's economy. Celle, another prominent city, was notable for its Renaissance castle, which served as a residence for the dukes of Lüneburg. Brunswick (Braunschweig) and Hanover were also important urban centers, contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.
During this period, the Duchy of Lüneburg was ruled by the House of Welf. Notable rulers included Duke George, a staunch supporter of the Protestant cause, who played a pivotal role in the Lutheran Reformation's spread within the region. His policies and alliances were instrumental in shaping the duchy's political landscape during the tumultuous times of the Thirty Years' War.
Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) was a prominent Dutch geographer and publisher. Born the son of a herring merchant, Blaeu chose not fish but mathematics and astronomy for his focus. He studied with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, with whom he honed his instrument and globe making skills. Blaeu set up shop in Amsterdam, where he sold instruments and globes, published maps, and edited the works of intellectuals like Descartes and Hugo Grotius. In 1635, he released his atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, sive, Atlas novus.
Willem died in 1638. He had two sons, Cornelis (1610-1648) and Joan (1596-1673). Joan trained as a lawyer, but joined his father’s business rather than practice. After his father’s death, the brothers took over their father’s shop and Joan took on his work as hydrographer to the Dutch East India Company. Later in life, Joan would modify and greatly expand his father’s Atlas novus, eventually releasing his masterpiece, the Atlas maior, between 1662 and 1672.