Celtic territories in Europe. Europam, sive Celticam veterem by Abraham Ortelius

Europam, sive Celticam veterem is a historical map created by Abraham Ortelius, first published in the late 16th century as part of his studies of the ancient world. The map depicts Europe as understood in classical antiquity, identifying Celtic territories, ancient place names, rivers, and regions based on Greco-Roman sources. Executed as an engraved map with decorative Renaissance cartographic styling, it reflects the era’s fascination with reconciling historical texts and geography. Its blend of scholarship and ornamentation made it an important reference for early modern readers interested in ancient history.

Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598) was a Flemish cartographer best known for publishing Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, often regarded as the first modern atlas. His work combined geographic accuracy, historical research, and artistic craftsmanship, helping to standardize mapmaking during the Renaissance. Ortelius also produced influential historical maps that reconstructed the ancient world, making classical geography accessible to scholars and collectors. His contributions placed him among the most significant cartographers of the sixteenth century.