Old Map of Lebanon by Depot De La Guerre, 1862: Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, Byblos

This is a detailed and fascinating old map of Lebanon, made by the French cartographic agency Depot de la Guerre in 1862. The map is based on surveys conducted by the French Topographic Brigade during the Syrian Expedition of 1860-1861. It shows a large area of land, extending from the Mediterranean coast to the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. The map is also notable for its depiction of the various religious communities that lived in Lebanon at the time, including Maronites, Druze, Sunnis, and Shiites. Please note that this map is in French, though all of the place names are recognisable. The map is full of interesting details, including: The major cities of Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, and Byblos are all clearly labeled. The rivers Nahr Beirut, Nahr Ibrahim, and Nahr al-Kabir are also shown. The Anti-Lebanon Mountains are depicted in great detail, with their peaks and valleys clearly labeled. The map also shows a number of smaller villages and settlements, as well as roads, trails, and other features. This map is a valuable historical document that provides insights into the geography, demographics, and transportation networks of Lebanon in the mid-19th century. It is also a beautiful and decorative piece of cartography that would be a great addition to any collection. This map was made during a period of great upheaval in Lebanon. In 1860, a series of sectarian clashes broke out between the Maronite Christians and the Druze Muslims. The violence resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the destruction of many villages. The French intervened to restore order, and they remained in Lebanon for several years. The map was made in the aftermath of the sectarian violence. It is likely that the French cartographers were interested in mapping Lebanon in order to better understand the geography and demographics of the region. The map may also have been used for military purposes. This map is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is a very detailed and accurate map of Lebanon in the mid-19th century. Second, it is one of the first maps of Lebanon to be based on surveys conducted by trained cartographers. Third, the map provides insights into the geography, demographics, and transportation networks of Lebanon at the time. Finally, the map is a beautiful and decorative piece of cartography. Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you. This map looks great at all sizes: 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large. I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 100in (254cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options. The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map. The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service. The labels on this map are very small at 16x20in (40.5x51cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily. If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye. Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map. This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map. This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.