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A striking example of this 17th-century Dutch map of the Campania region, engraved by Henricus Hondius and published in Amsterdam. This map highlights the region of Campania in southern Italy, traditionally known as "Campania felix," celebrated for its fertile land, mild climate, and strategic coastal location. 

The map covers the area now part of the Campania region, with a focus on the historical province of Terra di Lavoro. The principal city of Naples ("Napoli") appears prominently near the western coastline, bordered by the Golfo di Napoli. To the northwest, the ancient town of Gaeta ("Golfo di Gaeta, olim Sinus Formianus") is illustrated along the coast, underscoring its historical significance as a fortified settlement and strategic naval stronghold.

Important rivers, such as the Garigliano, which flows from the Apennines towards the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Volturno, are carefully delineated, reflecting the region's reliance on these waterways for both agriculture and defense. The mountainous terrain of the Apennines is also clearly depicted, emphasizing the rugged topography that has shaped settlement patterns in the area. 

The map includes the islands of Ponza ("Iscli Ponza") and Ischia ("Ischia Isola"), both located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, which are noted for their historical ties to maritime activity, trade, and even piracy during this period. Ponza, part of the Pontine Islands, was strategically positioned along key shipping routes, while Ischia was renowned for its fertile soil and volcanic origins, attracting settlers since antiquity. 

During the 17th century, the Kingdom of Naples, encompassing Campania, was under Spanish rule as part of the Habsburg empire. The region was economically vital due to its agricultural productivity, particularly in grain and wine production, which fed both local populations and distant markets. The Neapolitan city-state, however, was marked by social unrest and periodic revolts, most notably the Masaniello Revolt of 1647, which stemmed from high taxation and economic disparity imposed by Spanish authorities.

The coastal town of Gaeta continued to serve as a key military outpost, owing to its formidable fortress and sheltered harbor. It played a central role in various conflicts, including during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), when control of the region was contested between European powers.