Cities of the World

A hand-colored bird's-eye view map of Amsterdam from the late 16th century, likely from Braun and Hogenberg's "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The city is shown as a semi-circle bounded by a large canal/moat and fortified walls, situated on the south bank of the IJ river. The IJ is filled with numerous sailing vessels, including large galleons and smaller boats. The river Amstel flows into the city from the left. In the upper left is the coat of arms of Amsterdam (red shield with three white St. Andrew's crosses on a black vertical band). In the upper right is a decorative cartouche containing a Latin description. In the lower left, a boxed legend lists key locations, and next to it stands a man and a woman in traditional Dutch contemporary dress.

AMSTELREDAMUM Amsterdam, a noble town of Lower Germany, recently born for the reception of merchants from all parts of the world. A race of men dedicated to the trade of the inhabitants, in which they are second to none, whether by the charming courtesy of the people and diligent application, or by the great convenience of the harbor. Because of this, it has grown so much that one could scarcely conceive of any kind of commerce that is not practiced here. Hence it happens that the desire for wealth and gain invites merchants, even from the most remote lands, to this city. They transfer various goods from here, especially grain, into Brabant and other far-flung places of the whole world, and acquire huge wealth from such trade.

THE AMSTEL

The Amstel

The Lastage a district in Amsterdam