Ancient map of Guyana, 1671

John Ogilby’s Guiana Sive Amazonum Regio, published in 1671, is a detailed and visually captivating map of the region known as Guiana, encompassing parts of modern-day Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil. Created during a time of intense European exploration and colonization, the map reflects the geographic knowledge and ambitions of the period, emphasizing the mysterious and resource-rich Amazon region. 

The map provides a meticulous depiction of the region's rivers, particularly the Amazon and its tributaries, as well as coastal features and inland terrain. The portrayal of mountains, forests, and waterways captures the diverse landscape of Guiana.

Ogilby includes annotations about indigenous tribes, their settlements, and territories. This information highlights the European fascination with the native peoples and their cultures, often romanticized or misunderstood in cartographic works of the time.

The map is adorned with an ornate cartouche featuring allegorical imagery, such as depictions of native figures, exotic animals, and lush vegetation, emphasizing the perceived richness and mystery of the region.

Nautical elements like rhumb lines, a compass rose, and depictions of ships in the surrounding waters underline the importance of maritime exploration in accessing and claiming the region.

European settlements, forts, and areas of influence are marked, reflecting the territorial ambitions of powers such as Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and England.

Ogilby created this map during a period of heightened European competition for control of South America. Guiana was a contested region due to its strategic location, fertile lands, and access to the Amazon River, which promised trade and exploration opportunities.

As part of Ogilby’s celebrated America atlas, this map exemplifies the artistry and intellectual curiosity of 17th-century cartography. Its blend of detailed geographic information and decorative flourishes makes it a valuable resource for understanding the history of exploration and colonization in the Amazon basin. Today, it is a prized artifact for historians, collectors, and enthusiasts of early modern maps.