PARTIE ORIENTALE DE LA CARTE DES ANCIENNES MONARCHIES OMNIS ANIMA POTESTATIBUS SUBLIMIORIBUS SUBDITA SIT – NON EST ENIM POTESTAS NISI À DEO – QUAE AUTEM SUNT À DEO ORDINATAE SUNT AUX ROMAINS CH XIII V I

Cartographer: Delamarche, Charles & Felix 
Publisher: Not stated
Price: £150 (post-free in the UK)
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1799
Edition: Not stated
Format: Copper engraving
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 75.8cm x 55.8cm

Condition:

Original central fold line. Original or very early hand-colouring. Age toning and minor foxing to the paper and minor creasing. Small mark to the right margin. Archive repairs to the head and tail of the central fold line to the reverse. In very good indeed condition overall.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002577

The Middle East and Central Asia In Ancient History: A Short Account

The Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus have long been a crossroads of civilizations, shaped by diverse peoples and empires. Among the most influential were the Bactrians, Scythians, Persians, and others, each leaving a distinct mark on the cultural, political, and economic landscapes of these regions.

Bactrians

The Bactrians were an ancient people inhabiting the region of Bactria, corresponding to modern-day northern Afghanistan and parts of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Known for their sophisticated urban centres, such as the city of Balkh (Bactra), they excelled in trade due to their strategic location on the Silk Road. Bactria was a melting pot of cultures, integrating influences from Indian, Persian, and Hellenistic civilizations after Alexander the Great’s conquest. The Bactrians were skilled in agriculture, irrigation, and craftsmanship, producing exquisite works in gold and other precious materials. Their distinctive Bactrian camels became essential for long-distance trade in the harsh terrains of Central Asia.

Scythians

The Scythians were a nomadic Iranian-speaking people who dominated the steppes from the northern Black Sea region to Central Asia. Renowned for their horse-riding skills and fierce warrior culture, they were among the earliest adopters of mounted archery. The Scythians had a rich artistic tradition, characterized by intricate goldwork depicting animals and mythological scenes. Their semi-nomadic lifestyle also allowed for trade and cultural exchange with neighbouring civilizations. They were instrumental in shaping the dynamics of the steppes, influencing groups like the Sarmatians and Huns.

Persians

The Persians emerged as a dominant force under the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. Stretching from the Aegean Sea to the Indus River, their empire was one of the largest and most administratively sophisticated of the ancient world. The Persians are celebrated for their innovations in governance, infrastructure, and cultural integration. They respected the customs and religions of the lands they conquered, fostering a sense of unity across their vast territories. Persian art, architecture, and engineering, exemplified by Persepolis and the Royal Road, reflect their profound impact on world history.

Other Peoples

• Parthians: Renowned for their feigned retreat cavalry tactics, the Parthians were adept at blending nomadic traditions with urban sophistication, creating a thriving empire that bridged Greek and Persian influences.
• Sogdians: Vital intermediaries on the Silk Road, the Sogdians were famed for their linguistic abilities and mercantile networks, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange between China, India, and the Mediterranean.
• Medes: Predecessors and allies of the Persians, the Medes played a key role in the downfall of the Assyrian Empire and laid the groundwork for Persian dominance.
• Huns: Migrating westward from Central Asia, the Huns were a confederation of nomadic tribes whose conquests and incursions reshaped the political landscapes of the regions they entered.

Cultural and Historical Significance

This tapestry of civilizations cultivated a unique blend of sedentary and nomadic lifestyles, fostering advances in art, science, and trade. The diverse peoples of the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus were united by shared trade routes, mutual influences in religion and language, and the relentless interplay of conquest and assimilation. Their legacies endure in the cultural and archaeological wealth of these regions, offering a window into the complexities of human history.

Charles And Felix Delamarche: Short Biographies

Charles and Félix Delamarche were prominent French cartographers and globe makers active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They are best known for their detailed and elegantly crafted maps, globes, and atlases, which were highly regarded for both their scientific accuracy and artistic quality. Their work contributed significantly to the field of cartography during a period marked by rapid advancements in geographical knowledge and exploration.

Charles-François Delamarche (1740–1817)

Charles-François Delamarche was the founder of the Delamarche family’s cartographic enterprise. Born in Paris in 1740, he became an accomplished geographer and globe maker. Delamarche initially worked as an engraver and publisher, later specialising in the creation of globes and maps. He acquired the plates and tools of notable cartographers, including those of the eminent Robert de Vaugondy, which allowed him to continue and expand their legacy.

Contributions:

1. Globes and Atlases: Charles Delamarche is remembered for producing high-quality terrestrial and celestial globes that were both decorative and educational. These globes were designed for use in schools, libraries, and private collections, reflecting the growing demand for accessible geographical tools.
2. Maps and Publications: His maps were distinguished by their detailed craftsmanship, vibrant colouring, and clear labelling, making them valuable for both practical navigation and scholarly use. His atlases, such as Atlas de Géographie Physique et Politique, were widely used and admired.
3. Business Acumen: Delamarche capitalised on the popularity of geographic education in Enlightenment France, creating products that catered to both the scientific community and the general public. His works often included explanatory texts, enhancing their educational value.

Félix Delamarche (1779–1835)

Félix Delamarche, Charles-François’s son, inherited the family business and continued its tradition of excellence in cartography. Born in 1779, Félix was trained in the craft from a young age and eventually took over the business upon his father’s death in 1817. Under his leadership, the Delamarche firm adapted to the changing needs of the 19th-century market, embracing new technologies and expanding its range of products.

Contributions:

1. Advancements in Globe Making: Félix refined the techniques used in globe production, incorporating more precise astronomical data and improving the physical construction of the globes. He also produced globes with accompanying educational materials, aligning with the growing emphasis on formal education.
2. Map Updates: As the 19th century brought new discoveries and changes in geopolitical boundaries, Félix ensured that the Delamarche maps remained up-to-date. He regularly revised and republished maps to reflect these changes, maintaining the company’s reputation for accuracy.
3. Collaboration with Other Cartographers: Félix worked with contemporary geographers and cartographers to enhance the scientific validity of his products. This collaborative approach allowed the Delamarche firm to remain competitive in a dynamic field.

The Delamarche Legacy

The Delamarche family business was instrumental in advancing cartographic techniques and expanding the availability of geographic knowledge. Their globes and maps not only served practical purposes but also reflected the intellectual and cultural trends of their time, such as the Enlightenment’s emphasis on education and exploration.

Their works remain significant historical artefacts, valued for their combination of scientific precision and artistic merit. Today, Delamarche globes and maps are sought after by collectors and are displayed in museums and libraries as examples of high-quality 18th- and 19th-century cartography.

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