Camocio Maps

The discovery in 2013 of State 2 of the Great Siege of Malta Map by Giovanni Francesco Camocio [fl. second half 16th century] at the Charles University Map Collection in Prague provided the unique opportunity for it to be linked with States 1, 3 and 4 found at the Cartographic Collection at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta, Malta. This significant merge thus permanently sealed this four-state series of Great Siege maps. In their intact state, they collectively fill one of the many lacunae in the visual chronicle of the well-known Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Should one of the states be lost or damaged, the integrity of this series would be irreparably compromised. It cannot be emphasized enough that Great Siege maps are precious primary sources that act as the visual equivalent to written accounts of this battle, which determined the course of the history of the Mediterranean and Europe in the 16th century. In view of this, the virtual amalgamation of States 1, 3 and 4 with State 2 is effective in bringing together two overseas institutions sharing the common goal of educating and empowering the public.