Tempe

A classical map showing the fabled earthly paradise of Tempe at the foot of Mount Olympus. The residents of the valley worshipped and honoured the gods sufficiently and were rewarded with food, wine, and parties.

Latin text on the verso describes Tempe as a valley forty furlongs in length located on the border of Thessalia and Macedonia between Mt Olympus and Mt Ossa. It is a "most pleasant and delightful" place, filled with a great variety of "alluring and enticing pleasures, never made by any art or industry of man". The residents of Tempe "Having done divine service and ceremonies in due form and manner, they banquet and make merry." Ortelius's description of Tempe is derived from the writings of classical authors, such as Herodotus, Strabo, Seneca, and Solinus.

Original hand-colour. Latin edition.