Title: “Damascus, Urbs Nobilissima ad Libanum Montem, Totius Syriae Metropolis.” Description: One of the finest and the earliest printed views of Damascus, Syria. Damascus was settled around 5000 BC and considered as the cradle of civilization. TRANSLATION OF CARTOUCHE TEXT: Damascus, famous city at the foot of Lebanon, capital of all Syria. COMMENTARY BY BRAUN (on verso): “A stone’s throw away from Damascus is the place where Christ appeared to Paul as he persecuted the Christians, and called out to him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” On this site Christians now have their cemetery and a church. On the other side of the town, roughly an Italian mile away, a church can be seen that occupies the spot where Cain struck dead the pious Abel. Moreover, Holy Scripture, as well as all learned theologians, relates that God created our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the area around this city.” The view comes from Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg Latin edition atlas “Civitates orbis Terrarum, (…) Part 2: De Praecipuis, Totius Universi Urbibus, Liber Secundus…” published in Cologne, 1575. Cartographer: Georg Braun (1541 – 1622) & Franz Hogenberg (1535 – 1590) Sheet size: 54,5 x 39,5 cm Year: 1575 Technique: copper engraving Condition: Good condition. This is an original antique map published in 1575 and NOT a modern copy or reprint On your request I will provide a Certificate of Authenticity
