The antique map created in 1665 titled ‘Istria olim Iapidia’ depicts the Istrian peninsula, which is now part of modern-day Croatia. Istria olim Iapidia translates to ‘Istria, formerly Iapidia’, referring to the ancient Iapodes tribe that inhabited the region.
In the early 17th century, Croatia was part of the Habsburg Empire, ruled by the Austrian Habsburgs. The Istrian peninsula was strategically important due to its location on the Adriatic Sea, and it was a contested region between the Venetian Republic, the Ottoman Empire, and the Habsburgs. The map shows the borders of Croatia with Slovenia to the north and Italy to the west, as well as the major towns located in the central region, such as Buzet, Pazin, and Koper/Capodistria. The map provides a glimpse into the political and geographical landscape of the region during this time
