italie Ancienne Par C.Monin

Description

This 1838 map of Italy dates from a period when the Italian peninsula was not yet unified, clearly showing that the peninsula was a multi-part structure governed by different political authorities. While the map's title reads "Ancienne Italie" (Ancient Italy), its borders reflect the contemporary political divisions of the mid-19th century. The map, with its borders coded by colored lines, delineates the major political regions of the period. Central Italy, outlined in red, represents the Papal States (États de l'Eglise), centered in Rome and directly governed by the Papal authority. The blue borders of southern Italy and the island of Sicily represent the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (Royaume des Deux-Siciles), which was ruled by the Bourbon dynasty and centered around two main centers: Naples and Palermo. The island of Sardinia is drawn in green and belongs to the Kingdom of Sardinia (Royaume de Sardaigne), ruled by the Savoy Dynasty. This kingdom would later become a key player in the unification of Italy, administering it through the Piedmont region centered in Turin. The map's northern Italian regions are more complex; regions such as Lombardy and Venice were part of the Austrian Empire at the time. At the same time, minor duchies such as Tuscany, Parma, and Modena continued to exist as separate political entities. Geographically, the map depicts mountain ranges, rivers, sea names, and coastal details in a meticulous engraving style. The Apennine Mountains, which cut across the peninsula, are clearly depicted. The map also includes the Tunisian coast and parts of North Africa, demonstrating the strategic trans-maritime connections of its southern location. Important sea passages in the Mediterranean, such as the Strait of Sicily, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Adriatic coast, are carefully highlighted as critical geographical points for both maritime trade and military mobility. The map's border details reflect the elegant aesthetics typical of 19th-century French cartography.