Merian originally issued this map for his work Topographiae Germaniae although subsequently, it was used in many of his other publications. It is based on Antonio Tempesta's 1593 wall map of the city. Its projection and engraving are specifically designed to show the architectural splendor of Rome and historically, Tempesta's map and its derivatives are cited as being an outstanding record of the city at the end of the Renaissance.

As an aside, Tempesta requested "a privilege" (the equivalent of modern copyright) from the Pope for the distribution and publishing for his map and his request was so thorough that it is still studied today in courses specializing in intellectual property law. [IT3373]