The Leo Belgicus (Belgic Lion) is one of the most recognizable propaganda maps in history. The 17 United Provinces of the Netherlands are depicted as a proud lion, an inspiring national symbol, during their war of independence against Spain. The lion roaring lion stands with its front paw in the air holding a shield, symbolising the brave Dutch defence against the Spanish invaders.

Many Dutch citizens displayed Leo Belgicus maps in their homes during the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648) as a symbol of defiance and national unity. Some were extremely grand wall maps, whilst other, smaller maps were published in books or as loose sheets for hanging. The earliest Leo Belgicus map was published in 1583 by the Austrian historian Michaël Eytzinger.

This example was included in an authorized history of the war by Famiano Strada, an Italian Jesuit priest. Strada had been commissioned by the Duke of Parma to produce a history of the Dutch Wars in 1617. His two-volume work covered the years 1559-1579 and 1579-1589. A third volume covering the later years of the war is thought to have been censored by the Spanish authorities and banned. Strada's work was translated into many other languages, including English, Dutch, France, and Spanish. This example was printed in a Latin edition, published by the printer Jacob Marcus in Leiden.

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