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Description

This antique map of ancient Scandinavia, published by Edward Wells in Oxford around 1704, is an impressive and detailed representation of the region in ancient times, as understood at the beginning of the 18th century. The main map image includes Scythiaiae, Sarmatiae, Germaniae, and Baltia, among other regions, and features intricate geographical details and labeling.

An inset titled "Present Denmark with the adjoining Parts of Sweden and Germany" is included in the upper right corner, providing a more detailed look at the contemporary political boundaries in that area.

Overall, this antique map of ancient Scandinavia is a valuable addition to any collection, offering a unique glimpse into the region's past.

This Wells map is one of a set of 22 maps dedicated to William, Duke of Glouchester, who, at the time of publication of the maps, was studying at Oxford. Edward Wells, teacher of mathematics and geography at Christchurch College of Oxford University. The 13-year-old William, the heir to the throne, began studies at Christchurch in 1700 at the age of 11 and died a few months after the map was issued.

The engraver of the map, Michael Burghers, was an engraver and draftsman from Holland, who came to England and settled in Oxford in 1673. There he worked under David Loggan and succeeded him as Engraver to the University. Burghers engraved the first Oxford Almanack in 1676, and continued to engrave most of them for the next 43 years. He also illustrated books and produced architectural, botanical and portrait engravings.

Condition Description
Some toning. Map reinforced with old paper.
Edward Wells Biography

Edward Wells was a Church of England clergyman and advocate for education. He published prolifically, including several atlases of the ancient and contemporary world. Wells was the son of a vicar and entered Christ Church, Oxford in late 1686. He graduated BA in 1690, MA in 1693, and worked as a tutor at his college from 1691 to 1702. Then, he entered into a living at Cotesbach, Leicestershire, from where he continued to publish his many works. He attained the degrees of BD and DD in 1704, after he was already at Cotesbach.

From roughly 1698 onward, Wells wrote many sermons, books, and atlases. He focused on catechismal and pastoral works, as well as educational books. For example, some of his first works were mathematics texts for young gentlemen, which included how to use globes and determine latitude and longitude. He also translated classical and Christian texts, sometimes adding geographical annotations.

His descriptive geographies were not overly original works, but they were popular in their time. First, he produced a Treatise of Antient and Present Geography in 1701; it went on to four more editions. Next was a Historical Geography of the New Testament (1708), accompanied by a Historical Geography of the Old Testament (1711-12).