The antique map titled ‘Unsvla S Lavrentii vulgo Madagascar’ was created in 1665 and depicts the island of Madagascar. The title translates to ‘Madagascar according to Saint Laurent’s usage’. In the early 17th century, Madagascar was a diverse and largely uninhabited island with a range of different ecosystems, from dense forests to grasslands and wetlands. It was home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including lemurs and baobab trees. The island was largely isolated from the rest of the world, with limited contact with European traders and colonisers. However, the island’s location off the coast of Mozambique made it an important stop for trade and commerce, and it became a hub for Arab, Indian, and Portuguese merchants. The central regions of the island, including Antananarivo, Maintirano, and Morondava, were important centres of power and trade.