Espagne Et Portugal Par C.V.Monin (Map Of Spain And Portugal)

Description

This map dated 1838 depicts the administrative structure and geographic features of Spain and Portugal at the beginning of the 19th century. The map covers the Iberian Peninsula, which geographically constitutes the southwestern part of Western Europe and is situated between the Mediterranean Sea (Mer Mediterranee) and the Atlantic Ocean (Ocean Atlantique). The borders of Spain and Portugal are shown on the map with clear, colored lines; Spain's borders are highlighted in red, Portugal's in yellow. Among the archipelagos featured on the map, the Balearic Islands ("Iles Baleares") are particularly highlighted. The map clearly shows the civil divisions ("divisions civiles") established under the administration of the Queen Regent of Spain (La Reine Régente), according to a royal decree dated 30 November 1833. According to this regulation, Spain was divided into 48 different provinces, as indicated in the upper right corner of the map. This regional arrangement reflects Spain's understanding of political administration in the first half of the 19th century, its choice of administrative structure, and the centralized management approach implemented by the monarchical system. The terms and symbols in the legends ("Explications des Signes") below the map provide information that symbolically represents the administrative units of Spain and the internal administrative units of Portugal. These symbols indicate different levels of government, such as the Capitainerie Générale (General Captaincy) and the Intendance (administrative districts). Administrative centers (Chef-lieu) are also highlighted with special symbols. From a physical geography perspective, the map shows rivers, mountain ranges, major cities, and important transportation routes. The scale (Echelles) on the map is given in French units and incorporates different measurement systems, such as "Myriamètres," "Lieues Communes de France," "Lieues Marines," and "Lieues d'Espagne." This scaling allows map users to calculate distances using different reference points and measurement systems.