THE OLDEST PRINTED MAP OF THE ISLAND OF RHODES with WEST at the top. The old natural harbor of Rhodes Town is indicated as" Rhodis" on the map, with a fortress close by. Drawn in 1538 by Sebastian Münster after Pomponius Mela, a Roman geographer in the first century AD., here in the second and last edition of 1543, which seems to be rarer than the first edition of 1538. Printed on a full text page from: G.Iulius Solinus and Pomponius Mela C. IVLII SOLINI POLYHISTOR... Published in Basel by Michael Isingrin, 1543. Net size of the map: 8.5 x 13.2cm. Full sheet with Latin text. 20 x 31.5cm. This RARE and unusual early wood block map predates the better known Rhodes map by Benedetto Bordone of 1547, which was clearly inspired by this Ptolemaic Münster miniature map, as its similar shape and orientation towards West indicates. Some age toning and damp stains on right bottom margins (not affecting the map itself), a few old worm holes and trails in the margins, none within the map. Verso printed by Latin text. (shipping with registered airmail, arrival time 10 -30 days, depending on destination). To Italy we ship with EMS courier.