Old Map of Africa: 'Africae Accurata Tabula' by Visscher, 1690

Embark on a historical journey with the 'Africae Accurata Tabula', an old map of Africa meticulously crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The title, when translated to English, reveals the map's purpose: to provide an 'Accurate Map of Africa'. Visscher, a descendant of the illustrious Dutch Golden Age of cartography, has intricately depicted the geographical and political landscapes of the era. This map is more than just a topographical representation; it's a testament to the cartographical prowess of the 17th century, and a window into the past.

The 'Africae Accurata Tabula' encompasses the entirety of the African continent, along with southern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and several islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This broad coverage underscores the ambitious scope of cartography during Visscher's time. Each region—North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa—is portrayed with remarkable precision, reflecting the mapmaker's commitment to accuracy and detail.

This map is a treasure trove of historical and geographical information. It illustrates political boundaries, cities, towns, waterways, canals, and landmarks that were significant in the late 17th century. The map also features a diverse array of wildlife and mountains, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The hand-colored outlines and engraved details add an artistic touch to the scientific accuracy, while decorative cartouches and a compass rose add to the map's historical charm.

The 'Africae Accurata Tabula' is more than just a map—it's a historical artifact, a testament to the artistry and knowledge of its creator, and a fascinating exploration of a bygone era. This map offers a unique perspective on the world as it was understood over three centuries ago. Whether you're a history buff, a cartography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the intersection of art and science, this map is a captivating addition to any collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

North Africa: 1. Cairo, Egypt - Known as Al-Qāhirah, it was the seat of the Mamluk Sultanate and a significant center of trade and culture. 2. Algiers, Algeria - Known as Al-Jazā’ir, it was the capital of the Regency of Algiers, a major center of the Barbary Pirates. 3. Tunis, Tunisia - The capital of the Hafsid Sultanate, it was a major center of trade and learning in the Mediterranean. 4. Tripoli, Libya - Known as Ṭarābulus, it was an important trade and administrative center under Ottoman rule. 5. Marrakesh, Morocco - Known as Marrākish, it was a major imperial city of Morocco.

West Africa: 1. Timbuktu, Mali - An intellectual and spiritual capital and a center for the propagation of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. 2. Dakar, Senegal - Known as Ndakaaru, it was an important city in the Kingdom of Cayor. 3. Kumasi, Ghana - The capital of the Ashanti Empire, known for its gold and ivory trade. 4. Kano, Nigeria - A major center of Hausa Islamic scholarship. 5. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - The capital of the Mossi Kingdoms.

East Africa: 1. Mombasa, Kenya - An important Swahili trading city-state known for its trade of ivory and slaves. 2. Mogadishu, Somalia - Known as Maqdishu, it was the capital of the Ajuran Sultanate, a notable center of commerce and culture. 3. Harar, Ethiopia - Considered as the fourth holiest city of Islam. 4. Zanzibar City, Tanzania - Known as Unguja, it was a significant trading city-state under the Sultanate of Zanzibar. 5. Antananarivo, Madagascar - Known as Analamanga, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Imerina.

Central Africa: 1. Kinshasa, DR Congo - Known as Mbanza-Kongo, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo. 2. Luanda, Angola - Founded by the Portuguese, it was a major center of the Atlantic slave trade. 3. Bangui, Central African Republic - An important trading post on the Ubangi River. 4. Brazzaville, Republic of Congo - Known as Mfoa, it was a significant city in the Kingdom of Kongo. 5. N'Djamena, Chad - Known as N'Djamena, it was a major city in the Sultanate of Bagirmi.

Southern Africa: 1. Cape Town, South Africa - Known as Kaapstad, it was a supply station for Dutch ships travelling to East Africa, India, and the Far East. 2. Maputo, Mozambique - Known as Lourenço Marques, it was a major Portuguese trading post. 3. Maseru, Lesotho - An important city in the Kingdom of Lesotho. 4. Gaborone, Botswana - Known as Gaberones, it was a major city in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. 5. Windhoek, Namibia - Known as ǀAiǁgams, it was a major city in the Herero Kingdoms.

Notable natural phenomena and attractions: 1. The Nile River - The longest river in Africa, notable for its role in the civilization of ancient Egypt. 2. The Sahara Desert - The largest hot desert in the world, known for its unique landscapes. 3. The Victoria Falls - Located on the Zambezi River, it's one of the world's largest waterfalls. 4. The Great Rift Valley - A notable geological feature that runs through several East African countries. 5. The Okavango Delta - A large inland delta in Botswana, known for its rich wildlife.

Notable historical events between 1600 and 1690: 1. The Battle of Mbwila (1665) - A conflict between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Kingdom of Kongo, resulting in the death of the Kongo king. 2. The Gondar period of Ethiopia (1632-1755) - Marked by the reign of Emperor Fasilides and the construction of the Fasil Ghebbi fortress city. 3. The establishment of the Dutch Cape Colony (1652) - The Dutch East India Company established a colony at Cape of Good Hope as a resupply point for ships.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

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.

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

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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.

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

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

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, 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 The Unique Maps Co.

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.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.