Old Roman Empire "Classical World" Map by Longyear, 1930: Rome, Carthage, Athens, Alexandria, Troy

Step into the captivating world of antiquity with "The Classical World," a remarkable map crafted by William L. Longyear in 1930. This exquisite piece, published by Silver Burdett & Company, serves as a gateway to the Roman Empire's grandeur, centered around the Mediterranean Sea. Designed for educational purposes, it adorned Latin textbooks of the Climax Series, offering students a visual journey through time. The map's Latin place names evoke the era's scholarly pursuits, while its Art Deco embellishments breathe life into the warriors, charioteers, and mythological figures that grace its surface.

The map is a vibrant tapestry of history and mythology, featuring legendary figures such as Jason, Hercules, and Phaeton. These illustrations not only add artistic flair but also enrich the viewer's understanding of the cultural narratives that shaped the ancient world. The inset map of Rome, positioned beneath the title, offers a detailed glimpse into the heart of the empire, underscoring the city's pivotal role in history.

Covering regions from Europe to North Africa and Western Asia, "The Classical World" provides a comprehensive view of the Roman Empire's vast expanse. It highlights significant locations like Roma, Carthago, and Alexandria, each a cornerstone of ancient civilization. The map's depiction of trade routes and significant trails further illustrates the interconnectedness of these regions, offering insights into the economic and cultural exchanges that fueled the empire's prosperity.

The design of this map is a harmonious blend of historical accuracy and artistic expression. Its decorative borders, adorned with classical motifs, frame a world rich in history and legend. The Art Deco style, popular in the early 20th century, adds a modern touch to this ancient narrative, making it not only a tool for education but also a piece of art that captures the imagination.

Historically, this map serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire. It invites viewers to explore the complexities of a civilization that laid the foundations for much of Western culture. Whether you're a history enthusiast or an art lover, "The Classical World" offers a unique opportunity to delve into the past, providing a visual narrative that is both informative and inspiring.

Places on this map

• Roma (Rome)
• Carthago (Carthage)
• Athenæ (Athens)
• Alexandria
• Constantinopolis (Constantinople)
• Troia (Troy)
• Sicilia (Sicily)
• Hispania (Spain)
• Gallia (Gaul/France)
• Britannia (Britain)
• Germania
• Aegyptus (Egypt)
• Persia
• Babylonia
• Italia (Italy)
• Graecia (Greece)
• Asia Minor
• Mare Nostrum (Mediterranean Sea)
• Oceanus Atlanticus (Atlantic Ocean)
• Mauritania

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Art Deco illustrations of warriors and charioteers
• Ships sailing across the Mediterranean Sea
• Mythological figures such as Jason, Hercules, and Phaeton
• An inset map of the city of Rome
• Detailed depiction of the Roman Empire's extent
• Illustrations of historical and mythological events
• Decorative borders with classical motifs
• Latin place names indicating historical locations
• Visual representation of trade routes and significant trails

Historical and design context

• Created by William L. Longyear in 1930
• Published by Silver Burdett & Company for educational purposes
• Accompanied Latin textbooks in the Climax Series
• Depicts the world during the Roman Empire, focusing on the Mediterranean region
• Combines historical accuracy with Art Deco artistic expression
• Provides insights into the cultural and economic exchanges of the Roman Empire
• Serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.