Antique Town Plan of Emden ‘Germany’ by Braun & Hogenberg, 1597

About this sheet

Antique map titled 'Embdena (..)'. Old, antique bird's-eye view plan of Emden, Germany. This bird's-eye view from the southwest over the Dollart shows Emden, which developed from a trading settlement in the 7th/8th centuries into a city as late as late 14th century. In 1494 it was granted staple rights, and in 1536 the harbor was extended. In the mid-16th century Emden's port was thought to have the most ships in Europe. Its population then was about 5,000, rising to 15,000 by the end of the 16th century. The Ems flowed directly under the city walls, but its course was changed in the 17th century by the construction of a canal. Emden has canals within its city limits, a typical feature of Dutch towns, which also enabled the extension of the harbor. Emden's first herring company was founded in 1553, and in 1595 Emden was created a Free Imperial City under the protection of Holland.

Published by Braun & Hogenberg. Georg Braun was born in Cologne in 1541. After his studies in Cologne, he entered the Jesuit Order as a novice. In 1561 he obtained his bachelor's degree, and in 1562 his Magister Artium. Although he left the Jesuit Order, he studied theology, gaining a licentiate in theology. Frans Hogenberg was a Flemish and German painter, engraver, and mapmaker. He was born in Mechelen as the son of Nicolaas Hogenberg.