Italy - Southern mainland portion of the Kingdom of Naples: Southern Italy; Gérard Mercator - Puglia piana, terra di Barri, terra di Otranto, Calabria et Basilicata - 1621-1650

This fine 17th-century copper engraving by Gérard Mercator depicts the southern mainland portion of the Kingdom of Naples, encompassing Southern Italy regions such as Puglia, Terra di Bari, Terra di Otranto, Calabria, and Basilicata. These areas are known for their rich cultural heritage, agricultural productivity, and distinct regional identities within the Italian peninsula. During the early 1600s, the Kingdom of Naples was a significant European territory under Spanish rule, and maps like this one were essential for administration and navigation. Mercator's drawing offers detailed geographic, topographic, and political information, enhanced by characteristic period coloring, showcasing his combined scientific and artistic cartographic approach. This map is valued for its historical insight into southern Italy before modern Italian unification.