The antique map titled ‘Frisia Borealis… Anno 1651 [left]; Frisia Borealis… Anno 1240 [right]’ depicts the Frisia region in northern Germany during two different time periods. Frisia was a coastal region that spanned from the Netherlands to Denmark. The map shows the region’s intricate network of rivers, lakes, and islands, as well as its towns and cities.

In the early 17th century, Germany was a collection of small independent states, each with its own government and ruler. The Holy Roman Empire, a loose confederation of states, was the overarching political structure. The Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict that lasted from 1618 to 1648, greatly impacted the region, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.

The map shows Frisia’s proximity to Denmark, which was a powerful kingdom at the time. The region was known for its maritime trade and fishing industry, with many towns and cities