By: SDUK

Date: 1844 (circa) London

Dimensions: 12.75 x 15.4 (32.4 x 39 cm)

This interesting map of ancient Syracuse on the island of Sicily. and its five cities in what is now Greece. was published in 1844 by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. also referred to as SDUK.

The map depicts the region according to the sites and ruins extant in the mid-eighteenth century CE. and is filled with myriad interesting details describing sites battles. ancient catacombs. fortifications. remnants of walls. temples. etc. Syracuse itself is shown to cover much of the island in well-organized districts. with barracks. landing places and even a fountain depicted. By the 5^th century BCE Syracuse had become the most powerful city of western Greece.  A note under the title states that modern names are in print while ancient ones are in italics. At the bottom of the map is a lovely inset of the city as seen from its Roman amphitheater.

The SDUK was founded in 1828 by Henry Peter Brougham. an idealistic British nobleman. The aim of the society was to promote self-education and egalitarian sharing of knowledge by providing instruments of learning such as maps and various other publications. Despite being affiliated with London University and various major publishing houses. the Society ultimately failed to achieve its goal as the publications were too costly for the targeted middle to lower class echelons of British society. At the same time. its publications were not grand enough or fine enough to appeal to the aristocracy.

Condition: Map is in A condition with lovely color over a fine print on clean paper. 

Inventory #12324

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