In 1570, Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius compiled the so-called 'first modern atlas', the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, a compilation of 53 maps of regions around the world, of which this map, the Indiae Orientalis, was one.
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Title: Indiae Orientalis Insularumque Adiacientium Typus
Significance: With its tantalising reference of a land mass below Java titled 'BEACH, pars continentis Australis', this is a highly significant map in the history of the European push to explore South Asia and the Pacific. It is also one of the earliest maps to possibly refer to the continent of Australia. This map is part of what has been regarded as the first true world atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. The importance of the Ortelius atlas in the history of cartography cannot be understated. It has been called the most influential atlas in history.