Italy - Sicily // Syracuse; B.R. Davies// Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK) - Siracusa – “Vestigia delle Cinque Città” (Ortigia, Acradina, Tyche, Neapolis, Epipoli) - 1821-1850

Original engraving published in London by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK) around 1840, taken from the Atlases of the renowned British society. Engraved by B.R. Davies, one of the leading cartographic engravers of the nineteenth century, with topographical data provided by Smyth, Thakeray, Arnold, and others.

The map depicts Syracuse and the 'remains of its ancient Five Cities,' that is, the five historical areas that made up the great Syracusan polis:
Ortigia, Acradina, Tyche, Neapolis, and Epipoli.
The legend indeed distinguishes modern names in print and ancient names in italics, making the map a highly interesting historical-archaeological document.

Steel engraving with antique coloring.
Accurate details: port, fortifications, walls, main buildings (Cathedral, Bishop's Palace, Hospital, Governor's House, Barracks, Oven), and coastal surroundings.

Condition: very good for its age. Solid paper, vivid colors, slight marginal marks.