Old Harbour of Alexandria Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Cleopatra's Needle, Pompey's Pillar, Mosque

The Harbors of Alexandria in Egypt by William Heather, 1802

Dive into the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with "The Harbors of Alexandria in Egypt," a rare and meticulously engraved chart crafted by the esteemed William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a portal to the ancient world, showcasing the strategic maritime gateways of Alexandria, once the pulsating heart of commerce and culture under Alexander the Great. Oriented uniquely with southeast at the top, this chart is a testament to the cartographic traditions of the early 19th century, offering a glimpse into the methods that navigators of the time would have employed to traverse these historic waters.

William Heather's work stands out in the realm of nautical charting through its precise detailing and artistic finesse, characteristics that marked a significant evolution from earlier, cruder Mediterranean port charts by French and Italian cartographers. This chart, part of Heather's ambitious "The New Mediterranean Pilot," represents the first English endeavor to systematically document the Mediterranean's ports, a task Heather approached with an unprecedented level of accuracy and aesthetic care. The chart features soundings, topographical nuances, and anchorages, all enhanced by the fine engravings signed by John Stephenson, a renowned London engraver of the period.

The chart is rich with historical landmarks, offering more than just navigation aid; it serves as a historical document outlining key features such as the Pharos Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and the bustling Great Harbour, which was Alexandria’s main maritime hub. It also details the Old Harbour, used by smaller vessels, and the Canal of Alexandria, linking the Great Harbour to the Nile, thus weaving a narrative of a city that was both a protective fortress and a beacon of ancient trade and exchange.

Moreover, the chart does not shy away from showcasing Alexandria's architectural heritage. It meticulously marks the locations of city walls, gates, and even the ancient streets, alongside notable ruins such as Pompey's Pillar, Cleopatra's Needle, and Nicopolis. These elements not only guide the mariner but also educate the historian, the archaeologist, and the curious traveler about the rich tapestry of historical narratives that Alexandria embodies.

In conclusion, "The Harbors of Alexandria in Egypt" is more than a nautical chart; it is a finely crafted historical artifact that captures the essence of one of the most significant maritime cities in history. Its rarity and the excellence in its execution make it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts of maritime history, offering an enduring look at the complexities and the grandeur of Alexandria as it stood at the dawn of the 19th century. This chart is not just a tool for navigation but a bridge to the storied past of a city that was, for centuries, the lighthouse of the Mediterranean.

Notable places on this map

• The ancient city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC.
• The Canal of Alexandria, connecting the Great Harbour to the Nile River.
• The city walls of Alexandria.
• The gates of Alexandria.
• The streets of Alexandria.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Pompey's Pillar
• Nicopolis
• Cleopatra's Needle
• A Mosque on an island in the south

Historical and design context

• Map Title: The Harbors of Alexandria in Egypt
• Mapmaker/Publisher: William Heather, Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot
• Date: 1802
• Design and Style: The map is a finely engraved chart, decorated with a compass rose and a scale bar, oriented with southeast at the top.
• Historical Significance: This chart is part of the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean, following earlier French and Italian versions.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.