This antique map, titled ‘Le Pais De Brie’, was created in 1665 and depicts an area located centrally in France, including the towns of Marles-en-Brie, Pommeuse, and Neufmoutiers-en-Brie. ‘Le Pais De Brie’ translates to ‘The Country of Brie’, which refers to the historic region of Brie in France.
In the early 17th Century, France was a powerful and influential country in Europe. The reign of Louis XIII from 1610 to 1643 saw France engage in numerous wars and expand its territories. The country was also experiencing a cultural and artistic revival, with the emergence of the Baroque style in art and architecture. However, France was still a largely agricultural society, with most people living in rural areas and relying on farming for their livelihoods.