Historic Map : Thomson Map of The Balkans (Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Bulgaria), 1817, Vintage Wall Art

This is an attractive 1817 map of the Balkans by the Edinburgh cartographer John Thomson. It depicts the region from modern day Slovenia east to the Black Sea and from Moldova south to include Bulgaria. The map also notes the ancient Roman regions of Illyricum, Dacia and Moesia. Throughout, the map notes both contemporary and ancient place names. Also notes rivers, mountains and other topographical features.

Following the Battle of Corinth in 146 BC, the Greek peninsula came under Roman rule. The period from 31 BC and AD 180 in Greek history is described as the era of the Pain x Romana. This was a period of peace and security when many Greek cities flourished, leading to cultural and economic progress. The classical period in Greek history, which lasted from the 5th century B.C. through the 4th century B.C. greatly influenced the Roman Empire's politics, art, architecture, philosophy and literature. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Greece became the center of the Eastern Roman or Byzantium Empire.

Thomson's work, including this map, represents some of the finest cartographic art of the 19th century. His maps are known for their stunning color, awe-inspiring size, and magnificent detail. This map was prepared by John Thomson for inclusion in the 1817 edition of his New General Atlas.