This antique map, created in 1665, is titled ‘Episcopatus Iacensis Vulgo Iaca’, which translates to ‘Bishopric of Jaca commonly known as Jaca’. It depicts the region of Jaca, located in the province of Huesca in northeastern Spain, with the town of Santa Cruz de la Serós at its centre.

Spain in the early 17th Century was a powerful empire with vast territories in the Americas, but domestically it was facing economic and political challenges. The country was ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, with King Philip III on the throne until 1621 when he was succeeded by his son, Philip IV. The period saw Spain involved in numerous conflicts, including the Thirty Years’ War and the Franco-Spanish War, with France being a major rival. Despite these challenges, Spain continued to be a cultural and artistic hub, with renowned artists such as Velázquez and writers such as Cervantes flourishing during this