Map Of The Known World, c. 1596

Via: British Library

This map of the known world was created in 1596 by Dutch cartographer Jodocus Hondius. Adorned with symbolism, the detailed diagram also depicts an allegorical tale of religious rivalry.

From The British Library:
"From the 1560s to 1648 Holland was engaged in a war of independence with Catholic Spain. Jodocus Hondius, who made this map, was a Dutch Protestant. The human figures on the map illustrate the battle between Catholics and Protestants. The armoured ‘Christian’ knight represents King Henry IV of France, a Protestant ally. The figures fighting him symbolize Catholicism: (left to right) Worldly Vanity, Sin, Carnal Weakness, the Devil, and Death."