Map Classical Geography "The Infancy of the Roman Empire according to Florus" Christopher Browne c.1725

Antique copper-plate engraving on laid paper with original hand colouring, for Christopher Browne's folio "The Geography of the Antients sofar as describ'd as is contained in the Greek and Latin Claffics (Classics) in The Maps of the Old World and its several Kingdoms and Provinces..."  printed London 1725, "A Collection long wanted, and now Publish'd for the Use of Schools".

Condition = Excellent with no grime, foxing mould, tears. Printed on Laid paper folded in middle preparing it for binding. Plate mark clean but trimmed from lower edge probably in the binding preparation process.

Size of Page= 265 x 180mm / Size of Plate mark = 162 x 232mm

Gessius Florus was the Roman procurator of Judea from 64 until 66. Florus was appointed to replace Lucceius Albinus as Procurator by the Emporer Nero due to his wife's friendship with Nero's wife Poppaea. He was noted for his public greed and injustice to the Jewish population, and is credited by Josephus as being the primary cause of the Great Jewish Revolt.

Christopher Browne, map maker/print-seller flourished between 1688-1712, having taken over the print-selling business of Robert Walton on his death. It had been Walton's apprentice in 1683. Browne  may have come from a family of minor gentry. He seems to have done well in business, having two shops at the height of his career from which he retired to live the life of a gentleman. In retirement he grew vines and corresponded with the founder of the Britsh Museum, Sir Hans Sloane.