Detailed map of the lands of the Tribe of Zabulun, Issachar and half of the Tribe of Manasseh in the Holy Land, from Christian van Adrichom's Theatrum Terrae Sanctae, first published in 1590. Numerous biblical sites are depicted and identified by both name and number, and are more fully described in Adrichom's text.
The late 16th century was a period of great discovery, documentation, and the dissemination of knowledge. Cartography was becoming an important tool for the European world, both for navigation and for understanding the world's geography in the context of biblical and historical events. In this context, Christian van Adrichom's Theatrum Terrae Sanctae, published in 1590, presented a remarkable collection of maps of the Holy Land, based on biblical, historical, and contemporary accounts.
The present map centers on the lands of the tribes of Zabulon, Issachar, and Dimidia (half of) Manasseh. Oriented with east at the top, this unique orientation was not uncommon in medieval and early modern cartography, as cardinal orientations were not as standardized as they are today, and sometimes had symbolic implications.
Numerous biblical sites are depicted on this map, identified by both name and number. These identifications serve as a bridge between the map and Adrichom's text, where these places are described in more detail. Such a combination of visual and textual data made this work not only a tool for geographic understanding but also a guide for the spiritual and historical contemplation of the Holy Land.
Among the most prominent features of the map are the roads, which represent the vital arteries connecting the numerous biblical sites. One such road is the "Via quae e Syria ducit in Aegyptum" or "The road that leads from Syria to Egypt." This pathway, linking regions of great historical and biblical importance, traces a route through cities like Mageddo, Adadremamon, Aphec, Tabor, and ends at Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. Another significant road is the "Via in Fezrael," stretching from the Mediterranean's Carmelum promontorium to cities like Aphec, Jezrael, Sarthan, Tinum, and Jemni.
The map also prominently mentions "Campus Magnus Esdrelon et Mageddo et Planicies Galilaeae." The term "Campus Magnus Esdrelon" refers to the great plain of Esdraelon, also known as the Jezreel Valley. This is a significant place both geographically and biblically. Geographically, it’s a large fertile plain in modern-day Israel, and biblically, it has been the site of many battles, as its strategic importance was recognized from ancient times. The name "Mageddo" refers to Megiddo, an ancient city located strategically on the Via Maris, a major trade route. Megiddo is historically significant and is often associated with the biblical prophecy of the final battle at the "end of days" known as Armageddon.
The Theatrum Terrae Sanctae was an atlas and history of the Holy Land and was Adrichom's most important and famous work. Born in Delft, Christian Kruik van Adrichem, or Christianus Crucius Adrichomius, was a priest and theologian. Adrichom worked for thirty years on his three-part history of the Holy Land, but only published the first part, Urbis Hierosolyma Depicta, during his lifetime. The remaining two parts were published posthumously by Georg Braun in 1590, with subsequent editions in 1593, 1600, 1613, 1628, and 1682.
The Theatrum Terrae Sanctae contained 12 maps and plans: one of the Holy Land, nine of territories of the Tribes of Israel, one of the Exodus, and a town plan of Jerusalem.