Ancient map of Eastern India Adjacent Islands, 1584

"Indiae Orientalis Insularumque adiacentium typus" is a Latin phrase that translates to "Map of Eastern India and Adjacent Islands." The map was created by Abraham Ortelius, a renowned Flemish cartographer, and geographer of the 16th century.

Abraham Ortelius was a prominent figure in the history of cartography and is best known for his work "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," often considered the first modern atlas. The map "Indiae Orientalis Insularumque adiacentium typus" was likely a part of his atlas, published in 1570.

The map shows the geographical region of Eastern India, Southeast Asia, and the surrounding islands, as known and understood during the 16th century. It depict the Indian subcontinent, the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesian archipelago, the Philippines, and other islands in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.

Abraham Ortelius was born in Antwerp, which was then part of the Habsburg Netherlands (now Belgium), and he made significant contributions to the field of cartography during the 16th century.

Ortelius was not originally trained as a geographer but worked as a map colorist and an antiquarian. His interest in maps and geography led him to study various works and compile a collection of maps. He is best known for his groundbreaking work titled "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (Theater of the World), which was first published in Antwerp in 1570.

"Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" was the first printed atlas, containing a comprehensive collection of maps from various sources. It included maps of different regions and countries, with uniform size and format, making it easier for users to compare and study the maps. The atlas was an immense success and underwent several editions and expansions during Ortelius's lifetime and after his death.

Ortelius's maps were beautifully engraved and accurate for their time. He incorporated the latest geographic knowledge from explorations and various sources, including fellow cartographers, travelers, and merchants. While some inaccuracies persisted, his work significantly advanced the understanding of the world's geography during the 16th century.

Ortelius was not only a cartographer but also a key figure in the intellectual and cultural life of his time. He was a member of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke and a friend of many scholars, scientists, and humanists of the Renaissance period. His contributions to cartography and his pioneering atlas have left a lasting legacy, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of mapmaking.

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