Atlas sheet from an edition of Theatrum Orbis Terrarum with Latin text, published in 1573. Hand coloured copperplate engraving. North is at 90 degrees.Scale approximately 1:200 000. The lower border is graduated for latitude. (The latitude of Portugal is not consistent with that given on Ortelius' map of Spain, which locates it further south.) The sea area is decorated with two ships and a sea creature.
The title and a text panel are placed in strapwork cartouches. The text panel is a quotation, dated 1560, celebrating the seafaring achievements of the Portuguese - 'from here men have set out with incredible valour and success. They have visited all parts of the world. They have brought a large part of Africa under our rule and took possession of countless islands, known only by name or nameless until they first set foot upon them. They have made the most beautifal lands of Asia pay tributeand brought the knowledge of Jesus Christ to the most distant nations, to teach them true religion.'