Ancient map of Asia, Asia Noviter Delineata, 1635

"Asia Noviter Delineata" is a famous historical map of Asia created by the Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu (Latinized as Guglielmus Blaeu). It was published in 1635 as part of his work "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (Theatre of the World), which was one of the most comprehensive atlases of its time.

Blaeu's map of Asia is renowned for its accuracy and artistic beauty, as well as its detailed representation of the Asian continent during the 17th century. It includes geographical features, cities, rivers, mountains, and other landmarks of the region, making it a valuable historical resource for understanding the cartography of that era.

The work significantly contributed to the dissemination of geographical knowledge during the Age of Exploration, a period marked by increased European interest and involvement in discovering new lands and trade routes.

Willem Janszoon Blaeu (sometimes spelled as Joan Blaeu) was a prominent Dutch cartographer and mapmaker who lived from 1596 to 1673. He was born on September 23, 1596, in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. Blaeu came from a family of cartographers, and his father, Willem Blaeu, was also a renowned mapmaker.

In 1633, Blaeu founded a publishing firm in Amsterdam that produced some of the most exquisite and accurate maps of his time. He specialized in creating world maps, atlases, celestial globes, and nautical charts, and his works were highly sought after by scholars, explorers, and merchants.

One of his most famous works was the "Atlas Maior," which was published in multiple volumes between 1662 and 1672. The "Atlas Maior" was a comprehensive collection of maps covering various regions of the world, and it was known for its elaborate detail and aesthetic beauty. Blaeu's maps were prized for their accuracy and were often used by navigators and explorers during the Age of Discovery.

Blaeu was appointed as the official cartographer of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and contributed significantly to expanding geographical knowledge during the 17th century. His expertise in cartography and celestial mapping also led him to construct globes, some of which can still be found in museums and private collections today.

Willem Janszoon Blaeu passed away on December 21, 1673, in Amsterdam. His publishing firm was continued by his son, Joan Blaeu the Younger, who continued to produce maps and atlases, carrying on the family legacy in cartography. Today, Blaeu's maps and atlases are considered important historical artifacts, offering valuable insights into the understanding of the world during the 17th century.

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