COLCHIS IBERIA ALBANIA QUAEG CAUCASIAE GENTES ISTHMUS QUI PONTUM EUXINUM CASPIUMQ MARE INTERJACET INCOLUNT

Cartographer: Nicolas Sanson & Guillaume Sanson
Publisher: Cloistre de S Nicolas du Louvre, Paris, France
Price: £150 (post-free in the UK)
Publication Date: 1667
Edition: 1st edition
Format: Copper engraving
Condition: In good only condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 58cm x 43.2cm

Condition:

Original fold lines. Original or very early hand-colouring. Age toning to the paper and minor surface wear and creasing. Nicks, chips, rubs and minor short closed tears to the margins. Archive repairs to the reverse. In good only condition overall. Very scarce.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002571

Colchis, Iberia, Albania, and the Caucasian Peoples: A Brief Description

The title “Colchis, Iberia, Albania quaeg; Caucasiae Gentes, Isthmus qui Pontum Euxinum Caspiumq; Mare Interjacet, Incolunt” refers to the geographical and ethnographic description of ancient regions and peoples inhabiting the Caucasus area, located between the Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus) and the Caspian Sea. These regions played a crucial role in the history, culture, and commerce of the ancient and medieval worlds, serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia.

Geography

1. Colchis
   • Location: Situated along the eastern coast of the Black Sea, in present-day western Georgia.
   • Terrain: The region was characterised by lush, fertile lowlands and mountainous areas, bordered by the Caucasus Mountains to the north.
   • Significance: Known in Greek mythology as the land of the Golden Fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts. Colchis was a hub for trade and cultural exchange, with connections to the Greek world and the Near East.
2. Iberia
   • Location: Corresponding to the eastern part of modern-day Georgia, south of the Caucasus Mountains.
   • Features: A mountainous region with valleys conducive to agriculture and settlements.
   • Historical Role: Iberia (also known as Kartli) was an important kingdom in the ancient Caucasus, serving as a cultural and political bridge between Rome, Persia, and neighbouring regions. It became one of the earliest adopters of Christianity.
3. Albania
   • Location: Stretching across parts of modern-day Azerbaijan and Dagestan, near the Caspian Sea.
   • Terrain: Marked by plains, rivers, and proximity to the Caspian Sea.
   • Cultural Importance: The kingdom of Caucasian Albania was influenced by both Iranian and local traditions, contributing to the region’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.
4. Caucasian Isthmus
   • Description: The land bridge connecting the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, defined by the Caucasus Mountains.
   • Significance: This narrow corridor was a crucial passage for trade, migration, and military campaigns, linking the eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia and beyond.

Inhabitants and Cultures

The peoples of Colchis, Iberia, and Albania were collectively known as the Caucasiae Gentes, or the Caucasian tribes. Each region had distinct yet interrelated cultures influenced by their geography and interactions with neighbouring powers.

1. Colchians
   • Known for their advanced metalworking skills and association with the legend of the Golden Fleece.
   • Maintained trade networks with the Greeks, Persians, and Scythians.
2. Iberians
   • Played a mediating role between the Roman and Persian Empires, serving as a crossroads for cultural and religious diffusion.
   • Known for their fortified towns, agricultural development, and eventual Christianisation.
3. Albanians
   • A diverse group of tribes with their own languages and customs.
   • Their proximity to the Caspian Sea facilitated trade, particularly in silk and other goods.
4. Other Caucasian Tribes
   • The rugged terrain of the Caucasus was home to numerous smaller tribes and clans, each adapting to their specific environment.
   • These peoples were known for their fierce independence and ability to defend their lands against external invasions.

Strategic Importance

1. Trade and Commerce
   • The Caucasus region acted as a crucial link between Europe and Asia, facilitating trade along the Silk Road and maritime routes connecting the Black and Caspian Seas.
2. Military Significance
   • The natural barriers provided by the Caucasus Mountains served as both a defensive stronghold and a strategic objective for empires such as Persia, Rome, and later the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
3. Cultural Exchange
   • The confluence of diverse cultures, religions, and languages in the Caucasus created a rich tapestry of traditions, influencing art, literature, and governance in the broader region.

Legacy

The regions of Colchis, Iberia, and Albania remain historically significant for their contributions to the development of civilisation in the Caucasus. They were centres of trade, myth, and cultural synthesis, reflecting the complexities of this unique geographical area.

Modern countries like Georgia and Azerbaijan trace their historical roots to these ancient regions, and their legacy is evident in the rich cultural heritage and traditions that endure to this day.

Nicolas Sanson: Map of Colchis, Iberia, Albania, and the Caucasian Peoples

The map titled “Colchis, Iberia, Albania quaeg; Caucasiae Gentes, Isthmus qui Pontum Euxinum Caspiumq; Mare Interjacet, Incolunt”, attributed to the renowned French cartographer Nicolas Sanson, is a masterpiece of 17th-century cartography. It reflects Sanson’s dedication to geographical accuracy and his interest in documenting the ancient world. This map explores the regions of Colchis, Iberia, and Albania, as well as the Caucasian peoples inhabiting the isthmus between the Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus) and the Caspian Sea.

General Features of the Map

1. Geographical Scope
   • The map spans the Caucasus region, including the territories of Colchis (modern western Georgia), Iberia (eastern Georgia), and Albania (modern Azerbaijan and parts of Dagestan).
   • The map also highlights the Caucasian isthmus, the narrow land corridor between the Black and Caspian Seas.
2. Topographical Elements
   • Mountain Ranges: The Caucasus Mountains are prominently illustrated, showcasing their importance as a natural barrier and cultural divider.
   • Rivers and Seas: Major waterways, such as the Phasis River (modern Rioni) and the coastlines of the Black and Caspian Seas, are detailed to emphasise the region’s significance in trade and travel.
3. Borders and Regions
   • The map delineates the boundaries of Colchis, Iberia, and Albania, reflecting their political and cultural autonomy in the ancient world.
   • Nearby regions and tribes are also labelled, providing context to the interconnected nature of the Caucasus.

Cultural and Historical Insights

1. Colchis
   • Known in Greek mythology as the land of the Golden Fleece, Colchis represents a region rich in legend and natural resources.
   • It was an important trading hub, connecting the Mediterranean to the interior of Asia via the Caucasus.
2. Iberia
   • Iberia, or ancient Kartli, was a significant kingdom in the Caucasus, serving as a crossroads of Roman and Persian influences.
   • The map reflects Iberia’s central role in facilitating cultural and economic exchange between empires.
3. Albania
   • Caucasian Albania, located along the Caspian Sea, is depicted as a region of diverse tribes and peoples, known for their local customs and involvement in regional trade.
   • Its strategic location made it an important area for both commerce and military campaigns.

Cartographic Style and Details

1. Sanson’s Signature Precision
   • The map features Nicolas Sanson’s hallmark style: clear and concise labelling, balanced composition, and an emphasis on historical and geographical accuracy.
   • Ancient names are used throughout, reflecting Sanson’s reliance on classical sources such as Ptolemy and Roman geographical texts.
2. Decorative Elements
   • The title cartouche is adorned with Baroque embellishments, including scrolls and motifs, adding an artistic touch to the scholarly work.
   • Compass roses and rhumb lines highlight the maritime importance of the region.
3. Annotations
   • Sanson included notes about the peoples and places depicted, often referencing their historical significance, such as their involvement in Greek mythology or their roles in Roman and Persian conflicts.

Historical Context and Purpose

1. A Window into Antiquity
   • This map reflects the European Renaissance’s fascination with classical antiquity, aiming to reconstruct the ancient world for scholarly and educational purposes.
   • Sanson’s work synthesised geographic knowledge from antiquity with the growing body of cartographic data from early modern explorers.
2. Political and Strategic Significance
   • The Caucasus was a crucial region for trade and military strategy, acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia. The map underscores its role as a contested space in ancient and early modern history.
3. Audience and Impact
   • Sanson’s maps were intended for scholars, aristocrats, and navigators, offering both a practical tool and a source of intellectual enrichment.
   • By documenting these ancient regions, Sanson contributed to the European understanding of the Caucasus as a historical and cultural crossroads.

Legacy of the Map

Nicolas Sanson’s map of Colchis, Iberia, and Albania remains a significant achievement in the history of cartography. It not only provides a glimpse into the geography and culture of the ancient Caucasus but also exemplifies the intellectual curiosity and cartographic excellence of 17th-century Europe. This map continues to be studied and admired for its historical detail, artistic quality, and its role in shaping the Western understanding of the Caucasian region.

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