A map of Jerusalem created by the Dutch cartographer Christiaan van Adrichem in 1584. In this beautifully illustrated map are drawings that represent events and figures from the Old and New Testaments. Toward the center of the map the Jewish Temple can be seen together with a drawing of the High Priest, the altar and the vessels used in the Temple. To the right of the Temple is the Royal Palace, pictures of King Solomon on his throne, and even Bathsheva bathing on her rooftop. Other drawings on the map, such as the Via Delarosa and images of the Crucifixion, depict the Christian history of Jerusalem.
This map of Jerusalem was drawn by the Dutch cartographer and theologian Christiaan van Adrichem. His maps, which include many biblical themes and quotations, demonstrate the deep bond that many Christian scholars felt with the Holy Land at that time. Van Adrichem never actually visited the Holy Land. In the eyes of the Dutch cartographer, the city of Jerusalem resembled a European city with gardens, fountains and European architecture. As with other cartographers and artists of the time, his maps and drawings of Jerusalem were merely an imaginary representation of the city.
This map is one of thousands of ancient maps of Jerusalem and the Holy Land that belong to the cartography collection of the National Library of Israel.
