1849 Symonds Linen Map of Jerusalem (first scientific survey of Jerusalem)

This seminal 1849 map, printed on linen, is the first scientific survey of Jerusalem. Based upon survey work completed by John Frederick Anthony Symonds and Edward Aldrich, the map is centered on the walled city of Jerusalem, which is covered in considerable detail. It extends beyond the wall, illustrating topography, as far east at the Mount of Olives, west to Birket Mamillah, north as far as Kubur el Muluk (Tomb of the Kings), and south to the 'Hill of Evil Council.' Streets, roads, and important buildings are illustrated with scientific precision. The map offers several insets detailing important archeological sites, such as the El-Kalah, or the Tower of David, and the Temple Mount. At the base of the map there are cross-sections of the Old City's walls at various points.

Oriental Crises of 1840

This map was surveyed in response to the Oriental Crises of 1840. With the intention of displacing Egyptian dominance of the region under Muhammad Ali and reestablishing Ottoman hegemony, a British lead pan-European military expedition was sent to Palestine and Syria. The Royal Engineers, who accompanied the expedition, immediately began the first truly scientific surveys of the region. Led John Frederick Anthony Symonds and Edward Aldrich, the Royal Engineers arrived in Jerusalem early in 1841. According to one source, they spend about six months completing this survey.

Publication History and Census

The map was engraved by Joseph Wilson Lowry. Three editions of this map were published. The first two editions were issued in 1841 and 1846 by James Wyld. The last edition, and the present example, was issued in 1849 by John W. Parker. It subsequently provided source material for several later maps. All examples are exceedingly scarce.