Cartographic image of Samogitia in the old maps of Lithuania, Poland and other neighboring countries (1700-1939).
Lukosevicius, Viktoras
UDK 528.9
1. The maps illustrating the history of Samogitia in the 18th
century
In 1702, January 27 Carol XII together with the Swedish military
forces crossed the border of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and marched
into Samogitia. By February 17 the Army had reached Raseiniai. Over the
years 1710-1711 plague was widely spread in Samogitia and due to that
entire villages were left deserted. Samogitia lost almost 1/3 of its
population.
In 1764 Samogitia was subdivided into two, and in 1791--into three
powiets (Lithuanian: singular pavietas, plural--pavietai), with its
centres accordingly Raseinai, Siauliai and Telsiai.
After the third division of the Republic, in 1795, Samogitia was
passed on to Russia. In the same year the entire left bank of the
Nemunas starting with Baltstoge till Sakiai was attached to Prussia,
while the other part, unofficially called Uznemune by Lithuanians and
Samogitians in the 19th century, was incorporated into Warsaw Duchy,
which had been in existence for five years and depended on
Napoleon's France.
The maps, dated the 18th century reflect the decline of the state
of Lithuania and at the same time the decline of Samogitia which ended
in the division of Lithuania- Poland and incorporation of Lithuania into
the Russian Empire.
The maps of Lithuania published in Western Europe in the 17th and
the first half of the 18th centuries were the products of remake of the
map of Lithuania, dated 1613. On these maps owing to the hydrographical
survey carried out by Swedes and Germans only the contours of the Baltic
Sea-coast were modified: the shoreline of the Firth Kurshiai Marios
gradually approached its natural conditions, the geographical position
of the Nemunas River lower-reaches was defined more precisely (Chomskis
1958).
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In Fig. 1 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Grand Duchy of
Lithuania by Frederick de Witt.
Frederik de Wit(t) (1616-1698) established his printing office in
Amsterdam 1648 and published several atlases since 1670 (Atlas, Atlas
Minor, Atlas Maior, a sea atlas and a Belgium atlas). Besides atlases,
he has published 124 land maps and 27 sea maps on separate sheets. His
son and grandson of the same name produced 130 maps in total, too. The
Wits' firm was shut down in 1706 and its plates passed into the
ownership of Pieter Mortier (1661-1711), a geographer, copper engraver,
printer and publisher from Amsterdam, who has also published the present
map. After Mortier's death the firm passed into the ownership of
Jean Covens ja Cornielle Mortier who named the firm Covens &
Mortier.
In Fig. 2 Samogitia on the map of Poland by Paul de LaFeuille:
"Le Royaume de Pologne avec ses confins", 1702 Amsterdam, from
"Atlas Portatif'. In this map Samogitia is not separated from
Lithuania. In the area of Samogitia is marked Varniai (Midnick), Birzai
(Birz), Raseiniai (Rosennie) and several rivers.
Paul de La Feuille (1688-1727) There are currently no comments on
this author. He is a son of Daniel de La Feuille Paul followed the
tradition of engraving small format maps. Together with brother Jacob He
published his masterpiece in 1692 "Devises et Emblems", a
collection of symbols, allegories and designs mostly likely intended as
templates for silversmiths, engravers, and watchmakers. He continued his
father cartographic work and published numerous individual maps and
atlases.
The most interesting appears to be the map of Samogitia dated 1702,
by a Swedish cartographer (Fig. 3). It was exhibited in the National
Museum of Lithuania. The exhibition was prepared by the Swedish
Kingdom's Embassy in Lithuania and called "The Flags and Maps
of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania". The map covers the area, where
the Swedish army was deployed in 1701-1702 and it almost coincides with
the zone of activities of the Swedish Military forces in 1701, December.
The map depicts the lands, which belong to Siauliai and Panevezys
regions, almost entire Kelmes region, a greater part of Jurbarkas
region, entire regions of Raseiniai and Kedainiai and northern part of
Kaunas region (Lietuvos... 2006).
Gerhard Ernst Ehrenschantz (1663-1703) was a lieutenant--general,
fortification expert and the one responsible for the Swedish king Carol
XII Army maintenance.
In Fig. 4 Samogitia on the large, original map of Poland,
Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, by Guillaume de l'Isle: (La Pologne
... Paris: "Chez l'Auteur sur le Quai de l'Horlage a la
Courone de Diamans...Et se trouve a Amsterdam chez Louis Renard Libraire
prez de la Bourse"). This is rare second state of this important
map.
The author's address has changed to "le Quai de
l'Horlage a la Courone de Diamans", which he occupied only in
1707 and the the first couple of months of 1708. The commercial
relationship between de l'Isle and Louis Renard in Amsterdam was
negotiated in 1706, and probably did not warrant the inscription found
here "Et se trouve a Amsterdam chez Louis Renard Libraire prez de
la Bourse", before 1707. So one can date this map 1707 with some
confidence. The relationship between de l'Isle and Renard was
strained from the beginning and was never a success, but it was not
terminated formally until 1718. Depicts Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine,
Belarus. Of note, Poland has been divided into "Petitie
Pologne" and "Grande Pologne". Also depicted is part of
the Baltic Sea.
Guillaume Delisle (L'Isle, G.) (1675-1726) was a French
cartographer who lived in Paris. Guillaume Delisle's first works
were "The Map of the World" and "The Map of the
Continents", both published in 1700.
These and the terrestrial maps produced subsequently, which
surpassed all similar publications, established the son's fame. His
1718 map, Carte de la Louisiane et du Cours du Mississipi was the first
detailed map of the interior of what is now the United States. It was
based on the early expeditions of the French explorer Bourgmont. He
prepared about 100 maps and wrote on mensuration and ancient geography.
In 1718 he was the first to become chief geographer to the king.
In Fig. 5 Samogitia is presented in the map of Poland, Lithuania
and Pomerania. Map dedicated to Frederick Augustus II the Strong.
Contributor: Regins; Publisher: Peter Schenk, Amsterdam (Friderico
Augusto vere Augusto Polon. Lithuan. Borus. Pomer. regi. duci. principi
...). Map was published in the atlas: Atlas contractus sive Mapparum
Geographicarum Sansoniarum auctarum et correctarum Nova Congeris,
Amstelodami in 1709. Area of Samogitia on this map by dotted lines and
colors very cleary differentiated from Lithuania.
In Fig. 6 Samogitia on the map of Livonia and Curland by Frederick
de Witt. In the very colorful map fragment in the area northern part of
Samogitia is marked major rivers, forests, very exceptionally marked
Plateliq Lake and city Siauliai (Szawle Gross Schaulen).
In Fig. 7 Samogitia is presented in the stunning c. 1710 map of the
Baltic coast consisting of northern Poland, Konigsburg and parts of
Lithuania, by the Nurmburg cartographer J. B. Homann.
In the area of Samogitia we can see mountains and forests are
rendered in profile following Homann's typical stylistic
conventions. The map was engraved by J. B. Homann and printed in
Nuremburg, Germany.
In Fig. 8 cutout from the beautifully detailed c. 1730 J. B. Homann
map of Scandinavia. Depicts both Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and
the Baltic states of Livonia, Latvia and Curlandia. Title: Scandinavia
complectens Sueciae Daniae & Norvegiae Regna ex Tabulis Joh. Bapt
Homanni Norimbergae.
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In the area of Samogitia map notes cities, villages, roads,
bridges, forests, and topography. Map printed in Nuremburg. This map
must have been engraved before 1715 when Homann was appointed Geographer
to the King. The map does not have the cum privilegio (with privilege;
i.e. copyright authority given by the Emperor) as part of the title,
however it was included in the c. 1750 Homann Heirs Maior Atlas
Scholasticus ex Triginta Sex Generalibus et Specialibus as well as in
Homann's Grosser Atlas.
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Johann Baptist Homann (1664-1724) was a German geographer and
cartographer, who made maps of the Americas. Homann was born in
Oberkammlach near Kammlach, which is now in Bavaria. Although educated
at a jesuit school, he eventually converted to Protestantism. In 1715
Homann was appointed Imperial Geographer of the Holy Roman Empire.
Giving such privileges to individuals was an added right that the Holy
Roman Emperor enjoyed. In the same year he was also named a member of
the Prussian Academy of Sciences. Of particular significance to
cartography were the imperial printing privileges (Latin privilegia
impressoria). These protected for a time the authors in all scientific
fields such as printers, copper engravers, map makers and publishers.
They were also very important as recommendation for potential customers.
In 1716 Homann published his masterpiece Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze
Welt (Grand Atlas of all the World).
Homann died in Nuremberg. He was succeeded by the Homann heirs
company, in business until 1848, known as "Homann Erben",
"Homanniani Heredes", "Heritiers de Homann" abroad.
In Fig 9 Samogitia on the an extraordinary map of Poland (Nouvelle
Carte du Royaume de Pologne Divisee Selon ses Palatinats et ses
Provinces, avec des Remarques Historiques pour L'Intelligence de
l'Histoire) issued c. 1710 by Henri Chatelain. Centered on
'Petite Pologne,' the map covers from the Baltic Sea to
Transylvania and from Glatz to the border with Moscovie (Russia). Like
most of Chatelain's work it is beautifully engraved and masterfully
printed on fine paper using an intense dark ink. This striking effect
beautifully illustrates Samogitia with forests and mountains appearing
in profile. Important cities are identified throughout as are lesser
cities, castles, and waterways.
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Without a doubt one of the most beautiful 18th century atlas maps
of Poland, this chart was issued in volume 4 of Chatelain's Atlas
Historique.
Henri Abraham Chatelain (1684-1743) was a Huguenot pastor of
Parisian origins. He lived consecutively in Paris, St. Martins, London
(c. 1710), The Hague (c. 1721) and Amsterdam (c. 1728). He is best known
as a Dutch cartographer and more specifically for his cartographic
contribution in the seminal seven volume Atlas Historique, published in
Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720. Innovative for its time, the Atlas
Historique combined fine engraving and artwork with scholarly studies of
geography, history, ethnology, heraldry, and cosmography. Some
scholarship suggests that the Atlas Historique was not exclusively
compiled by Henri Chatelain, as is commonly believed, but rather was a
family enterprise involving Henri, his father Zacharie and his brother,
also Zacharie.
In Fig. 10 we present Samogitia on the scarce and handsomely
engraved map of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and surrounding
regions compiled by the distinguished Royal Geographer Georg Matthaus
Seutter. This is the first state of the map (a second state in 1728
added letters to the scales in borders) and as such is a particularly
fine, strong impression. Seutter based the cartography on Frederik de
Wit's 1670 map of the region which was also the basis for a map
issued by Homann in 1705-both Homann and Seutter's map are de facto
close copies of De Wit with regard to the cartography. Stretching from
St. Petersburg to the Black Sea and Stockholm to Vienna, the map covers
a broad range of territory but still presents a wealth of detail
including charming pictorial topography.
The map includes Samogitia and Curlandia as the lands of Lithuanian
Duchy. The western border reaches the Baltic sea, the very northern
point being the southern bank of Liepoja Lake. Amongst other settlements
Raseiniai (Rosienne), Birzai (Birze), Kedainiai (Kiedany) and
Radviliskis (Radzivill) are most outstanding.
Seutter, Matthaus (The Elder): 1678-1757, born and died in
Augsburg. Seutter was an engraver, globemaker and publisher. In 1697 he
went to Nuremberg and apprenticed as an engraver to Johann Baptist
Homann. Ten years later he returned to Augsburg to establish his own map
publishing house, which became a primary competitor to Homann. Most of
Seutter's maps were copies of earlier work done by the Homann and
Delisle firms--only about 40 were based on original work. Seutter's
large folio maps are known for their bold engraving style and flamboyant
cartouches and this map certainly has both on extravagant display. On
his death the business was carried on by Tobias ConradLotter, his
son-in-law and a master engraver for the firm.
In Fig. 11 Samogitia on the map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
(Reiner et Josua Ottens. Magni Ducatus Lithuaniae in suos palotinatus et
districtus divisus delineatus ...) by Reiner Ottens.
Reiner Ottens (1698-1750) and his brother Joshua (1663-1765) Ottens
have been active in map printing and selling during the first half of
18th Century. The family business was founded by their father joachim,
but most productive during the time of Reiner and joshua. joachim, the
founder of the firm, was initially employed as a copperplate engraver by
Frederick de Wit. In 1711 joachim founded his own firm. Though joachim
died only a few years later, his sons Renier and joshua took over the
firm and presided over its most prolific period. The Ottens
family's most notable contribution to cartography were its enormous
made-to-order multi-volume atlases such as the Atlas maior cvm generales
omnivm totius orbis regnorvm, Amsterdam, 1729. This atlas is a
seven-volume compendium of assembled-to-order star charts and
geographical maps. Some examples of the Atlas are compiled from over 800
separately issued maps.
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In Fig. 12 Samogitia is shown in the map Borussia-Lithuania-Russia
by Homann Heirs (Potentissimo Borussorum Regi Friderico Wilhelmo
Maiestate, Fortitudine Clementia Augustissimo Hancce Maiestate,
Fortitudine Clementia Augustissimo Hancce Lithuaniam Borussicam: in qua
luca coloniis Salisburg., ad incolendum Regio nutu concessa
chorographice exhibentur D. D. D. Regiae Suae Maiestatis). A set of 2
original antique maps that can be joined together to one very large
2-sheet map of an area of Lithuania and Eastern Prussia (Russian
province of Kaliningrad) stretching from Klaipeda (Memel) in the north
to Goldap in the south (a town on the Polish--Russian (Kaliningrad)
border, Tilsit (Sovetsk) and Gumbinnen (Gusev). This detailed map shows
many towns, a dam, regions, woods, rivers, etc. and a large figurative
cartouche and a plan of the city of Gumbinnen.
A very decorative sought-after set of maps with large title
cartouche and detailed only the western part of Samogitia.
In Fig. 13 Samogitia on the antique hand coloured and beautifully
detailed c. 1739 map of Poland and Lithuania including land of modern
day of Latvia, Belorus and Ukraine by johann Baptist Homann. The map
notes fortified cities, villages, roads, bridges, forests, castles and
topography of Samogitia and other countries.
In Fig. 14 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Grand Duchy of
Lithuania by Guillaume Delise, 1742 from William Darton, Atlas to
Walkers Geography. London: Vernor and Hood, etc., 1802.
In Fig. 15 Samogitia is shown in a new and accurate map of Poland,
Lithuania &c. Divided into its Palatinats, drawn from the best
authorities, assisted by the most approved modern maps. Publisher
William Innys et al., London.
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Map being a description of the countries, islands, cities, chief
towns, harbours, lakes, and rivers, mountains, mines, &c. The whole
illustrated by Emanuel Bowen, Geographer to His Majesty, being all
new-drawn and ingraved according to the latest discoveries and surveys;
making, of themselves, a complete atlas, for the sse of gentlemen,
merchants, mariners, and others, who delight in history and geography.
The western part Samogitia on the map reaches of the Baltic Sea.
This map is one of those where Samogitia shown as independent duchy
Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Emanuel Bowen (1714-1767) had the high distinction to be named
Royal Mapmaker to both to King George II of England and Louis XV of
France. Based in London from 1714 onwards, Bowen was highly regarded for
producing some of the largest, most detailed, most accurate and most
attractive maps of his era. He is known to have worked with some of the
most prominent cartographic names of the period including Herman Moll,
John Owen, and Thomas Kitchin. Despite his renown and success, Bowen,
like many cartographers, died in poverty. Upon Emanuel Bowens death, his
cartographic work was taken over by his son, Thomas Bowen.
In Fig. 16 Samogitia on the map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
(Magni Dvcatvs Litvaniae in svos Palatinatvs et Districtvs Divisvs Carte
dv Grand Dvche de Litvaniae / delineatus a Rever. Dno. Ioanne Nieprecki
Soc. Jesu) by Jean Nieprecki. The author, being familiar with the maps
by M.K. Radziwill, N. Sanson and F. de Vitt was inspired to make a
dependable map of his country, which had fewer mistakes and was more
applicable for practical usage. So, the map of 1749, which was printed
in Norinberg Johan Homan's family publishing house became a
valuable piece of graphics, regarding its cartographical facts as well
as esthetic appearance.
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J. Nepracky enriched his map by solid and interesting information.
He creatively with the use of special signs, i.e.crossed swords and
related dates, pointed out a few places, where the Lithuanian Army
during the wars with Sweden and Russia had their camps or fatal ballets.
The neighbourhood of Samogitia includes a dense net of rivers and
some smaller rivers have names, the forests are depicted using
silhouette drawings of trees and the settlements are grouped into four
categories, depending on their political, administrative, economic and
cultural importance. J. Nepriecki's map was better analysed and
described by A. Samas (2002).
Jean Niepreckis (Nieprzecki) (1719-1754) from Warsaw was a teacher
of mathematics and a Jesuit monk. In 1746-1750 he taught in the colleges
of Polock, Gardin, Lomza and Pasiause (Samogitia). After 1750 he moved
to Warsaw and worked as a teacher in the Jesuit College there. Besides
theology and liberal arts, he was also interested in geography, geodesy
and cartography.
In Fig. 17 Samogitia on the old map of Poland published in 1749.
Full original name of the map: Reise Charte durch das Konigreich Polen
mit alien darzu gehorigen Laendern / verfertiget von J[ohann] G[eorg]
Schreibern in Leipzig.
Johann George Schreiber (1676-1745) born in Leipzig was a German
engraver, cartographer and publisher. He was born 1676 and lived in
Leipzig. His only work was the TAtlas Selectusy published first 1740 and
reissued 1749.
In the year 1700 was commissioned to produce a plan of the city of
Bautzen, where all the houses of the city should be to see. This, later
writers plan called engraving was already completed by him on August 12,
1700.
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Selection works: Atlas of Saxony with numerous Office maps; Atlas
Selectus of all kingdoms and countries of the world, for convenient use
in schools, traveling and bey reading the newspapers (1st Edition of
1740, 2nd Edition 1749); Atlas Geographicus; Engraving of
KatharinenstraBe 12-16 in Leipzig, 1720.
In Fig. 18 Samogitia on the maps of Grand Duchy of Lithuania
("Magnus Ducatus Lithuania in suos Palatinatus et Castellanias
divisa, non solum accuratissime delineata sed etiam plurimis in aliis
Mappis omissis locis aucta cura et sumptibus." "Tob: Conr:
Lotter, Geogr. et Chalcogr. Aug. Vind.") by T.C. Lotter dated 1757.
Map was engraved by Georg Friedrich Lotter and issued by Tobias Conrad
Lotter. The map shows a very independent Samogitia. Of the several dozen
settlements highlighted (in red) Varniai (Mednicy) and Raseiniai
(Rosienne).
In Fig. 19 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Grand Duchy of
Lithuania (Mappa geographica ex novissimis observationibus repraesentans
Regnum Poloniae et Magnum Ducatum Lithuaniae / cura) [Tobiae Conradi
Lotter]) by Tobias Lotter.
Cartographer Tobias Conrad Lotter (1717-1777) was a publisher of
maps in Augsburg, Germany. He inherited the family mapmaking business
from his father-in-law, Matthias Seutter. Lotter published atlases and
numerous sheet maps, including this map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania,
becoming one of the better-known cartographers in the
eighteenth-century. After his death in 1777, the business was continued
by his son Matthias Albrecht Lotter.
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In Fig. 20 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Prussia by Jean
Janvier. Original title of the map: "LES ROYAUMES DE POLOGNE ET DE
PRUSSE Avec LE DUCHE DE CURLANDE...", Rare first edition: later,
more common editions were published in 1774 and 1780.
Jean or Robert Janvier (1746-1776) was a Paris based cartographer
active in the mid to late 18th century. Janvier true first name is a
matter of debate, as it appears as it often appears as either Jean or
Robert. More commonly, Janvier simply signed his maps Signor Janvier. By
the late 18th century Janvier seems to have been awarded the title of
"Geographe Avec Privilege du Roi" and this designations
appears on many of his latter maps. Janvier worked with many of the most
prominent French, English and Italian map publishers of his day,
including Faden, Lattre, Bonne, Santini, Zannoni, Delamarche, and
Desnos.
In Fig. 21 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Lithuania by Jan
Jakub Kanter: Regni Poloniae, Magni Ducatus Lithuaniae...published in
Nuremberg 1771 with the date of 1770 on a scale 1:675000.
Jan Jakub Kanter (1738-1786) publisher and bookseller, worked in
Konigsberg in the eighteenth century, developed a map of Polish probably
much earlier than it has been issued, as indicated by the lack of use of
materials other cartographers (Czaki, Endersch), who spent his earlier
work. J. J Kanter probably developed map based on the manuscript map of
the modernized by A.F. Busching and done probably in the years
1764-1768.
2. Maps of Samogitia in the period of first two Partitions
In Fig. 22 Samogitia on the map of the Kingdom of Poland and the
Grand Duchy of Lithuania including Samogitia and Curland divided
according to their dismemberments with the Kingdom of Prussia published
by W Faden. A map from 1799 showing how the Polish-Lithuanian
Commonwealth was partitioned in 1765-1795 between Prussia, Austria, and
Russia. This is an extremely detailed map which lists all the cities and
small towns and labels the regions according to their English names. The
boundaries former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth colored light red.
Engraved map with small inset. Full hand col. Conformation shown
pictorially and includes descriptive text with population figures. This
map is exceptionally detailed and it includes the main roads of the end
of the 18th c. as well as settlements.
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William Faden (1750-1836) was an English cartographer and publisher
of the late 18th century. Faden worked under the direction of Thomas
Jefferys. Jefferys held the position as "Geographer to the King and
to the Prince of Wales", and upon his death in 1771, this position
passed to William Faden. By 1822 Faden published over 350 known maps,
atlases, and military plans. Faden had a particular interest in the
mapping of North America and is best known for his important publication
of the North American Atlas. William Faden is also well known for his
publication of the first maps for the British Ordnance Survey in 1801.
Following his death in 1836 Faden's firm was taken over by James
Wyld.
In Fig. 23 fragment of the map made by a German cartographer Johann
Walch, engraver F. X. Hutter and included in the atlas of Johann Walch,
Augsburg 1796.
It presents the political situation after the first two partitions
of Polish. In the frame scaling legend: "Grenze Polens vor dem Jahr
1773", scale 1:2100 000"
Fig. 24 Samogitia on the English map of Poland previous to its
First partition. Author not indicated in the map.
In Fig. 25 Samogitia in the map of the Kingdom of Poland and the
Grand Dutchy of Lithuania by Tobias Mayer. Map emphasizes that the
Samogitia belonged to Lithuania and its an administrative territorial
unit,
Johann Tobias Mayer (1723-1762) German cartographer, astronomer,
and physicist who improved standards of observation and navigation. He
produced a map of the Moon's surface and concluded that it had no
atmosphere. Mayer was born in Marbach, near Stuttgart. He learned
architectural drawing and surveying and taught himself mathematics,
French, Italian, and English. He published his first book, on the
application of analytical methods to the solution of geometrical
problems, at the age of 18. In 1746 he began work for the Homann
Cartographic Bureau in Nuremberg, and he ended his career as professor
at the Georg August Academy in Gottingen.
At the Homann Cartographic Bureau, Mayer drew up some 30 maps of
Germany. These established exacting new standards for using geographical
data in conjunction with astronomical details to determine latitudes and
longitudes on Earth. To obtain some of the astronomical details, he
observed lunar oscillations and eclipses using a telescope of his own
design.
In Fig. 26 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Lithuania
"Generalkarte von Polen, Litauen, und den Angrenzenden
Landern' enengraved by Hieronymus Benedicti, developed on the basis
of materials RizziZannoni, GF Uz'a, JH Pfau'a and B. Folin and
published in Allgemeiner Grosser Atlas, Verfasst v. DAnville, Wien
1780-1797 F.A.Schraembl.
Engraver Hieronymus Benedicti (1756-1809). There is no more
information.
In Fig. 27 Samogitia on an uncommon map which, despite the date,
shows northern Lithuania after the Second Partition of the
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwwealth of 1793. Map by Bartolomeo Borghio and
Vincenzo Pazzinio Carlio "Il Gran Ducato di Lituania Diviso ne suoi
Palatinati".
Bartolomeo Borghi (1750-1821) was an italian cartographer, engraver
and publisher (editor of Atlante Geografica by Pazuzini Carli, Siena
1788/1800). B. Borghi was also associated with another atlas, Atlas
Geografico, which he edited. Borghi also prepared Topographia della
Citta de Firenze (1817). Tooley's Dictionary of Mapmakers Revised
Edition, Vol. I, p. 166. Giovanni Battista Vermiglioli (Biografia degli
scrittori perugini e notizie delle opere loro, Perugia, 1828-1829).
These works characterizes Borghi as one of the best geographers in
Europe.
As a cartographer before his arrival in Florence he received by the
Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo many positions of scientific and economic
interest, including the map of Cortona's cadastre, the map of the
county near Castiglione and a project for the use of water as a motive
power for irrigation in Val di Chiana.
In Fig. 28 we present Samogitia on the map of Grand Duchy of
Lithuania by Franz Johann Joseph von Reilly, Wien 1789.
In Vienna, in 1792, an Atlas was printed by the publisher Franz
Johann Joseph von Reilly. It also includes the map of Lithuania,
consisting of four separate parts or maps. They are numbered No. 47, 48,
49 and No. 50. Samogitia is included in the map under No.: 49
"GrossherzogthumsLitauen Nordwestlicher Theil Nro.49" [North
West part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania]. The map was designed in
1789.
Austrian born Franz Johann Joseph von Reilly (1766-1820) was a
Viennese art dealer who in his early twenties turned to map publishing,
and between the years 1789 and 1806 produced a total of no less than 830
maps. His "Schauplatz der funf Theile der Welt" (World Atlas)
in fact covered only maps of Europe, whilst the Grosser Deutscher Atlas
also included maps of other continents and was, therefore, the first
World Atlas produced by an Austrian.
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[FIGURE 28 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 29 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 30 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 31 OMITTED]
Reilly's "Grosser deutscher Atlas" was also notable
as the first completely 'Austrian' atlas. This large world
atlas, containing relatively few maps, was issued between 1794 and the
end of 1796. Reilly may have used Franz Anton Schraembl's work as
his model, at least in part.
In Fig. 29 Samogitia on the rare compete example of
Rizzi-Zannoni's 1783 decorative four panel map of the German empire
and Poland. Original Title of the map: "Carte de L'Empire
D'Alemagne avec les Etats de Boheme". Rizzi-Zannoni's map
covers from Jutland to the Gulf of Venice and from england to Poland.
The map offers excellent detail throughout showing mountains, rivers,
forests, national boundaries, regional boundaries, forts, and cities.
Drawn by Rizzi-Zannoni c. 1783 for issue as plate nos. 14-17 in Jean
Lattre's 1783 edition of the Atlas Moderne (Atlas Moderne ou
Collection de Cartes sur Toutes les Parties du Globe Terrestre).
In Fig. 30 Samogitia on the beautifully-engraved map of Poland was
published circa 1791 by Giovanni Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni as "Carte
Generale de Ia Pologne."
Giovanni Antonio Bartolomeo Rizzi Zannoni (1736-1814) was a noted
astronomer, surveyor and mathematician of great versatility active in
Venice and Naples. Zannoni was born in Padua, Italy. Between 1749 and
1751 Zannoni studied Astronomy at the University of Padua under John
Polen, a prominent astronomer of the period. After leaving the
University, Zannoni was commissioned by the King of Poland, Augustus
III, to map that country. His achievements included a large scale map of
Poland, appointments as geographer to the Venetian Republic, and as
hydrographer to the Depot de Marine in Paris. The maps in his various
atlases were beautifully engraved, showing minute detail and embellished
with elaborate cartouches. Rizzi Zannoni is known for his world atlas,
the French edition of which was published in 1762 as Atlas Moderne by
Lattre in Bordeaux.
In 1781, he was invited by the Bourbon rulers of the Kingdom of
Naples to direct the Topographical Office, among the first governmental
cartographic agencies in Europe. There he produced celebrated land and
maritime atlases of the region, as well as many separately issued maps.
In Fig. 31 is presented a new map of Poland, and the Grand Duchy of
Lithuania, shewing their dismemberments and divisions between Austria,
Russia and Prussia, in 1772, 1793 and 1795, from the latest authorities.
By John Cary, engraver, 1799. London: Printed for j. Cary, Engraver
& Map-seller.
[FIGURE 32 OMITTED]
J. Cary's map marked the overland roads. Noteworthy that all
the maps designed until the 18th century did not include any overland
roads.
In Fig. 32 Samogitia in the important 1799 map by Laurie and
Whittle depicts the Kingdom of Poland following the 1795 Third Partition
(A New Map of the Kingdom of Poland, with its dismembered provinces and
the Kingdm. of Prususia). The map covers all Poland and the former Grand
Duchy of Lithuania, parts of Prussia, Russia, Livonia, Hungary, Germany
and Austria. This map depicts Poland in 1799, four years following the
1795 Third Partition of Poland. Here Russia has annexed more the entire
western half of the former Polish-Lithuanian Confederation. Austria
seized the lands around Lwow and Krakow while Prussia claimed the
territories to the north and west of Warsaw.
Laurie and Whittle (fl. 1794-1858) were London, England, based map
and atlas publishers active in the late 18th and early 19th century.
Generally considered to be the successors to the Robert Sayer firm,
Laurie and Whittle was founded by Robert Laurie (c. 1755-1836) and James
Whittle (1757-1818). Robert Laurie was a skilled mezzotint engraver and
is known to have worked with Robert Sayer on numerous projects. James
Whittle was a well-known London socialite and print seller whose Fleet
Street shop was a popular haunt for intellectual luminaries. The
partnership began taking over the general management of Sayer's
firm around 1787; however, they did not alter the Sayer imprint until
after Sayer's death in 1794. Apparently Laurie did most of the work
in managing the firm and hence his name appeared first in the
"Laurie and Whittle" imprint. Together Laurie and Whittle
published numerous maps and atlases, often bringing in other important
cartographers of the day, including Kitchin, Faden, Jefferys and others
to update and modify their existing Sayer plates.
3. The maps illustrating the history of Samogitia in the 19th
century
In 1795 after the third partition of the Republic, Samogitia was
ceded to Russia.This period is characterized by the struggle for
autonomy which then developed into a struggle for the full independence
of Lithuania. The Lithuanian question which had at first arisen only
within the Russian political arena gradually acquired an international
character until finally the world perceived the reborn Lithuanian state.
In Fig. 33 Samogitia in the begining of the 19th century is
presented on the map of Poland and Lithuania by Robert Wilkinson.
The French Invasion of Russia in 1812, also known as the Russian
Campaign in France and the Patriotic War of 1812 in Russia was a turning
point during the Napoleonic Wars. It reduced the French and allied
invasion forces (the Grande Armee) to a tiny fraction of their initial
strength and triggered a major shift in European politics as it
dramatically weakened French hegemony in Europe.
In Fig, 34 Samogitia on the map "Kriegs--Theater zwischen
Frankreich und Russian (1812)". Map is representative of the former
territories of the Republic of Both Nations in the Napoleon wars epoch.
Scale of the map 1:1 7000 000. Map publisher Artaria and Comp.
[FIGURE 33 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 34 OMITTED]
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In Fig. 35 Samogitia on the map of Russian provinces in 1831 (Karte
der Russischen Provinzen Curland, Schamaiten, Lithauen, Podleisen &
Volhynien. Order der Gouverments).
In Fig. 37 James Wyld's "A Map of the Kingdom of
Poland", 1843. This map was originally published with a different
title by William Faden in 1795 (Fig. 22). The map is based on the
Rizzi-Zannoni 24-sheet map of 1772 that was commissioned by the King of
Poland. An inset contains a bird's-eye plan of Warsaw flanked by
tables of information concerning the population, religion, and
languages. A color key below the title identifies the regions of
Prussia, Russia, Austria and the Kingdom of Poland. Wyld, successor to
William Faden, maintained the high standard of graphic and factual
excellence that had been established by his predecessor and his maps are
among the finest published in the early 19th century.
Cartographer James Wyld I (1790-1836) and his son James Wyld II
(1812-1887) were the principles of English mapmaking dynasty active in
London during much of the 19th century. The elder Wyld was a map
publisher under William Faden and did considerable work on the Ordinance
Survey. On Faden's retirement, the Wyld took over Faden's
workshop acquiring many of his plates. Wyld's work can often be
distinguished from his son's maps through his imprint, which he
signed as "Successor to Faden". Following in his father's
footsteps the younger Wyld joined the Royal Cartographical Society in
1830 at the tender age of 18. When his father died in 1836, James Wyld
II was prepared to fully take over and expand his father's
considerable cartographic enterprise. Like his father and Faden, Wyld II
held the title of official Geographer to the Crown, in this case, Queen
Victoria. Among his first major decisions was to move operations from
William Faden's old office at Charing Cross East to a new larger
space at 475 Strand. Wylde II also chose to remove Faden's name for
all of his updated map plates. Wyld II continued to update and republish
both his father's work and the work of William Faden well into the
late 1880s. One of Wyld's most eccentric and notable achievements
is his construction of a globe 20 meters in diameter in the heart of
Leicester Square.
[FIGURE 37 OMITTED]
Figs 38 and 39 shows Samogitia on Karl von Spruner's maps of
Poland and Lithuania in the beginning of the 13 th century and of
Prussia and Livonia between 1525 and 1562.The map Fig. 37 covers
territory from the Gulf of Finland and Estonia to Lithuania and Prussia.
During the early 13th century, most of modern day Estonia, Latvia
and parts of Lithuania were conquered by two German religious orders. In
1236 the Mindaugas defeated the Livonians and were crowned Kings of
Lithuania, thus establishing the short-lived Kingdom of Lithuania. The
whole is rendered in finely engraved detail exhibiting throughout the
fine craftsmanship of the Perthes firm. Prepared by Karl Spruner for
publication as plate D XII in the second edition of Justus Perthes 1854
Historich-Geographischer, Hand-Atlas zur Geschichte der Staaten
europa's vom Anfang des Mittelalters bis auf die Neueste Zeit.
Karl von Spruner (1803-1892) or Spruner Karl von Merz or Spruneri
was a Stuttgart born cartographer, scientist, and map publisher active
in Germany during the middle part of the 19th century. Joining the
Bavarian army at the tender age of 11, Spruner dedicated most of his
life to military service. Spruner's superiors, recognizing his keen
intellect, eventually assigned him to the army's cartographic
division. Military education earned him the title of Doctor of
Cartography in 1852. In 1855 he attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel
and, in 1883, General. Cartographically, Spruner is best known for his
historical atlases, most of which were published by the Justus Perthes
firm. His much admired maps studiously applied historical political
geographies to contemporary physical geographies. Spruner also worked
with Heinrich Theodore Menke, a well-known German mapmaker, to produce
and later revise his many historical maps.
Fig. 40 shows Samogitia on the map of Sweden, Poland, Lithuania,
Russia, Belarus by Adolf Stieler, published in Hand Atlas Uber Alle
Theile Der Erde Und Uber Das Weltgebaude. Herausgegeben Von Adolf
Stieler. Gotha Justus Perthes, 1873. Full title: Ost-Europa, No. 3:
Sud-Schweden, die Russischen OstseeProvinzen, Polen & West-Russland.
Scale 1:3 700 000.
[FIGURE 38 OMITTED]
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Stieler's Hand Atlas Uber Alle Theile Der Erde Und Uber Das
Weltgebaude is extraordinarily detailed. Close examination of the maps
shows many features that one would expect to find only on much larger
maps. This atlas was first published in 1817, with editions continuing
well into the 20th century. It was one of the most comprehensive and
best executed 19th century German atlases. In this edition, the maps are
dated 1871-1875.
By the end of the 19th c. the Czarist Russia possessed stocks of
different maps which had both Lithuania and Samogitia. They also had
dense hydrographic nets, a number of settlements, as well as designed
boundaries of provinces and counties (Fig. 41). In the nicks one may
find the plans of the most significant administrative centers (Kaunas,
Vilnius, Siauliai, Telsiai).
In Fig. 42 Samogitia on the map of Gubernias of Lithuania and
Belorus by Benedykt Hertz published by Edmund Nowickij in Kuryer
Litewski (The Lithuanian Courier, Lithuanian newspaper).
In Fig. 43 Samogitia in the map with the title "Etnographische
karte von Litauen" [Etnographic map of Lithuania] from book by V.
Gaigalaitis (1917). In the map is marked the Lithuanian language areas
and linguistically mixed areas. Samogitia is attributed to the
Lithuanian language area.
Vilius Gaigalaitis (Wilhelm Gaigalat) (18701945) was political,
public and cultural figure in Lithuania Minor, doctor of Theology,
professor. In the Lithuanian and German press published articles on
church and public issues. He wrote 25 books and booklets.
4. Reflection Cristianity of Samogitia on the maps
In the 15th century, Samogitia was the last region in Europe to be
converted to Christianity. In 1413 Vytautas and Jogaila accompanied by
several priests began baptizing the population. In 1415 a delegation of
sixty Samogitian nobles visited the Council of Constance to announce the
territory's conversion. The diocese of Samogitia or Medininkai was
established in 1417, with its center at Varniai. Vytautas endowed the
diocese with land and provided funds for the construction of the
cathedral and parish churches (in Ariogala, Kaltinenai, Kelme, Kraziai,
Luoke, Raseiniai, Veliuona, Vidukle). The first bishop was Canon Matthew
of Vilnius, who administered the diocese from 1417-1422. But the
conversion of the Samogitian population proceeded very slowly,
especially in the more remote areas; as late as the 16th century, there
were only 38 churches and the people still practiced their pagan
religion. Consequently the Calvinist Reformation movement had a great
success in Samogitia, particularly among the nobility. Protestantism,
however, was not able to survive the Catholic Counter Reformation, which
was led by the Samogitian Bishop Merkelis Giedraitis (dead 1609). Of
considerable significance to the religious and cultural life of
Samogitia was the Jesuit college at Kraziai (1616-1773). The 17th
century the Marian Shrine at Siluva gained wide recognition throughout
the country. The Samogitian countryside became and miniature chapels
erected along the roadways, in farmsteads, and cemeteries. The Jesuits
had been invited by Bishop Giedraitis in 1608; a few years earlier the
Franciscans had settled in Kretinga (1602).
The fragment of the map of Poland of 1526 created by Bernard
Wapowski, covering almost the entire area of historical Samogitia, can
be viewed as a source for studies of the network of Catholic churches
and parishes of Samogitia of the beginning of the 16th century
(Buceviciute 2007).
Only about 1760 in Nesvyzius was created Bernardine monasteries
distribution in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania map scale 1:1 700 000
engraved by Herszek Leybowicz which marked 28 monasteries (Fig. 44). The
map is stored in the Library of the Lithuanian Academy Sciences.
Herszek Leybowicz (1700-1770) was a self-educated artist, and not
all of his carvings were a success. Most of the portrayed seem very
alike, their individual traits are distinct only in some of the works.
H. Leybowic carved on copper tablets. This technique was widely applied
in reproduction of paintings.
The researhers of the old Lithuania culture are well-acquainted
with the personality of Stanislovas Cerskis (Stanislaw Czerski)
(1777-1831), a canon of Samogitia, the author of the booklet "Opis
Zmudzkiey dyecezyi" published in Vilnius in 1830 (Description of
the Diocese of Samogitia). This simple and laconic book gives plenty of
statistical information but fewer personal notices and insights as well
as historical excursus. It is also the first attempt to overview
Samogitia Dioceze and present it to the public and also the first try of
both visually and cartographically illustrated description of Samogitia
Dioceze (Fig. 45), Skuodas Deanery and Salantai Parish. It could be
treated as one of the first works of primary regional studies in
Lithuania (Czerski 1830).
The diozese of Samogitia covered a major part of Lithuania and was
highly important in its history. Requested by the Bishop M. Valancius an
outstanding person of Samogitia Juozapas Juzumas having analysed Kaunas
Gubernija map, designed by Russian military topographers and having
selected geographical objects, suitable for cartography as well as other
special elements together with his brother Vincentas designed the map of
the Samogitia Diozese (Fig. 46). That is a valuable 19th century rarity
and is counted to be both cultural and cartographical value from that
period.
[FIGURE 44 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 45 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 46 OMITTED]
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Fig. 46 shows the Samogitia Dioceze map, as designed by Juozapas
Juzumas. It is a rare Central Lithuanian cultural and cartographical
value of the 19th century. The map gives a detailed cartographical view
(rivers, lakes, roads, settlements, etc.) from Latvia to the Nemunas,
from the Baltic Sea to Breslauja. As its geographical basis J. Juzumas
used the map of the general staff of Czarist Russia. Evidently the
author remade it and translated Russian names of geographical objects
into a fashionable language of that time--Polish.
The map is really professionally designed despite the fact that its
author was not a cartographer. It includes all the elements of a true
map: mathematical framing, geographical grid, scale and arbitrary signs.
The map scale is 1:480 000. A. Samas gave a much broader description of
the map ending it with the following sentence: "We can be proud of
having a rich map of Samogitia Dioceze and we can value it as a precious
heritage of enlightened people for the researchers of Lithuanian
cartography" (Samas 2006).
Fig. 47 Diocezen map of Samogitia with ethnographic area of
Lithuania by J. Franckevicius.In this map the different symbols is used
to note cities, towns, villages with churches and without its. Also is
shown Lithuanian ethnographic area and borders of Samogitia Dioceze.
This map is exceptionally valuable for its detailed borders of Samogitia
as well its settlements.
4. Samogitia on the maps between two World wars (1920-1939)
Russia annexed Lithuania at the end of the 18th century and in 1918
the state regained its independence. In 1920 Constitutive Seimas
outlined the State's, defended in battles, political system with
regard to its national background. The Seimas declared Lithuania as a
democratic Republic. The newly established state badly needed
international support but the major states supported Poland and avoided
to recognize Lithuania as a separate and independent state.
On the 23rd of March, 1918, the German Kaiser announced his
recognition of the independence of Lithuania. However, until Germany
capitulated in November that same year, Lithuania's international
status remained undefined. On the 12th of December, 1918, Sweden was the
first state to accord Lithuania de facto recognition. Russia and the
major countries of the world recognised Lithuania's independence
during 1920-1922. Lithuania was admitted to the League of Nations in
1921.
Lithuanian cartography greatly improved after 1918, after
reestablishing its statehood The State of Lithuania was returned to
world maps again (Fig. 48). A considerable number of maps was designed
by Lithuanian professionals and published. Lithuanian topographical maps
were started to be designed in 1922. However, the implementation of
these and similar intentions stopped in 1940, when the State was
illegally occupied by the Soviet Union.
In Fig. 49 Samogitia in the map of Lithuanian Republic (in
English). Scale 1:2400000, Creator Jonas Zilius, published in book
"Lietuvos rubeziai. Istoriskai etnografiska studija". New York
(C. S. Hammond and Co.), 1920.
Jonas Zilius (1870-1932) being a priest, public-spirited, publicist
and poet, translator, researcher, banker and diplomat has so far been a
poorly acknowledged participant in the history of Lithuanian culture. He
managed to accomplish a lot in the public life of Lithuanians in the USA
and also contributed in attaching the land of Klaipeda to Lithuania.
In 1893 he graduated from Overbrook (USA) divinity seminary. During
1893-1908 and 1916-1921 he lived in the USA. In 1910-1914 he studied in
Zurich and Berlin Universities. In 1917-1919 he was a member of
Lithuanian Nation Board in the USA and represented its Lithuanians in
Paris Peace Conference which tried to define Europe after the end of the
World War 1. The conference signed the Versailles treaty.
At that time namely, a term the land of Klaipeda appeared. During
1925-1926 Jonas Zilius was the governor of the land.
Fig. 50 Samogitia 1:1 050 000 scale in the map of Lithuania. The
map is an appendage of the publication "The Peace Treaty of
Lithuania and Russia". The Treaty was signed in 1920, July 12.
According to the Treaty, Russia acknowledged the declared state's
independence in the act of February 16, 1918, so its eastern border was
marked.
In Fig. 51 Samogitia in the map of Lithuania published by press
Keleivis, Boston, USA, 1921. Boundaries of Lithuania shown as comfirmed
acc agreements or as government considers. Area of Samogitia on this map
is not differentiated from Lithuania.
E. Debe's "The small school map" atlas consists of
20 pages and is meant for the elementary schools. A. Vireliunas prepared
it for Lithuanian schools. Svyturys Publishing House printed it.
Kaunas--Vilnius 1923. The page No. 4 is dedicated to Lithuania. The
scale is 1:2000000 (Fig. 52).
[FIGURE 48 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 49 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 50 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 51 OMITTED]
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During the interwar Antanas Vireliunas (18871950) was treated to be
the initiator of scientific geography in Lithuania. In 1922 he designed
a world globe in Lithuanian. Most likely that the globe designed by A.
Vireliunas and printed in "Svyturys" company is the first
Lithuanian globe.
In Fig. 53 Samogitia in the map of Lithuania (with Jonas
Basanavicius and Vytautas Magnus portraits). Author is undefined. Map
was printed in "Lithuanian Vienybe publishing Co.", A. Hoen
& Co, Baltimor, USA, 1929.
This map was distributed in different communities in the USA and
the received revenue was donated for Lithuania which at that time was
suffering from the world economic crisis.
In Fig. 54 the Smogitia is shown in the map of Grand Duchy of
Lithuania (Wielkie Ksicstwo Litewskie w drugiej polowie XVI wieku) in
the middle of XVIc. Map is created by Jan Jakubowski. Map is
characterized by the fact that it is very clearly marked boundaries and
location. On the map, as an administrative unit is noted Samogitia. In
the area of Samogitia is a record "ZEMIA ZMUDZKA". Author Jan
Jakubowski itself provides a fairly detailed description of the map and
based the administrative division of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
(Jakubowsi 1928).
In Fig. 55 Samogitia in 1398-1409 on the historical map of
Lithuania by O.GirCyte-Maksimaviciene.
Ona Gircyte- Maksimaviciene (1902-1999) historian, educator, one of
the first historical cartography experts drawn maps of textbooks,
atlases.
[FIGURE 54 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 55 OMITTED]
5. Reflection of historical Samogitia on the maps of nowdays
creators
Inexhaustible treasures belong to Samogitia's natural
surroundings, history, people and culture. Perhaps the pretty stubborn
character of local people created such an amazing spirit of Samogitia we
see nowadays.
At present Samogitia is one of the four regions of Lithuania. The
area of Samogitia is about 21,000 km2, encompassing Klaipeda, Telsiai,
Mazeikiai, part of the Siauliai, Taurage and Kaunas districts. The
borders of the Samogitian region coincide only approximately with the
borders of the Samogitian dialect.
Within the greater part of this territory the inhabitants speak the
Samogitian language (dialect). They have preserved their traditional way
of life and customs.
Samogitia population is about 500 000 inhabitants. The inhabitants
of the region still adhere to their traditional lifestyles. They are one
of the several ethnic groups in Lithuania and they strive to retain
their indigenous language and culture. The region uses three variations
of local dialect. On the basis of these variations, the region can be
demarcated into three main divisions. The people of Samogitia who
inhabit the districts like Akmene, Kretinga, Skuodas, Palanga,
Mazeikiai, Telsiai and Plunge are known as northern Samogitians. The
southern Samogitians comprise of the inhabitants of Silale, Kursenai,
Taurage, Raseiniai, Varniai and Kelme. The people of the districts of
Priekule, Silute, Klaipeda are known as the western Samogitians (Regions
... 2014).
In Fig. 56 Samogitia in the map of Poland and Lithuania after
Lublin Union by Vanda Daugirdaite-Sruogiene from her book History of
Lithuania (Daugirdaite 1990).
Vanda Daugirdaite-Sruogiene (1899-1997) historian. She collaborated
in various periodicals publications in Lithuania and abroad. She is
author of Lithuanian history and several other books and editor of the
history department of Lithuanian encyclopedia published in Boston.
Fig. 57 the map gives an artistic picture of Samogitia Duchy in the
18th century. It was published by Samogitian Cultural Association in
1999. The map was designed under the coordination with historian
Elmantas Meilus, Lithuanian Institute of History, its artist Arvydas
Kazdailis. In it Samogitia lacks the south-eastern part. The eastern
borders of Samogitia most probably coincide with those, dated 1398,
October 12th when Vytautas Magnus signed the contract with Teutonic
Order; according to the contract the Grand Duchy gave the Order
Samogitia land up to the Nevezis River. So, Vytautas gave the Order not
the whole Samogitia, but its major part -up to the Nevezis. Fig. 57
shows the incomplete map of the Duchy of Samogitia, but only the part,
given to the Order. However, the situation of the 18th century as
depicted in the map does not match the real situation of that time
(Jankauskas 2013).
[FIGURE 56 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 57 OMITTED]
In Fig. 58 map territory of Samogitia more or less matches the
future land of Samogitia Neighbourhood (historical part of Samogitia
West from the Nevezis, including present north-west corner of Uznemune).
Its artist is Karolis Dedura (Taigra 2012).
[FIGURE 58 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 59 OMITTED]
In Fig. 59 Samogitia on the map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in
18th c., from Author archives: Taigra.
In Fig. 60 the sculpture "The Globe of Samogitia" in
Telsiai, Lithuania. Author Arturas Valiunas. Architect Algirdas
Zebrauskas. Built in 2008. The author's idea of a cultural object
is a smart answer to those who think that there are no Samogitians. The
areas of Samogitia depicted on The Globe of Samogitia correspond to the
actual map, and Telsiai, like Rome, stands on seven hills.
Where is Samogitia nowadays? Fig. 61 shows a segment of a map of
Lithuanian ethnographical regions. The map was designed on the basis of
different scientific research and conclusions by experts in ethnology,
ethnomusicology, linguistics, history, etc. as well as their
recommendations and after reviewing over 200 ethnographical maps. The
basic criteria to set the borders of Lithuanian ethnographical borders
were as follows: regional distinction in culture of material and
spiritual appearances.
[FIGURE 60 OMITTED]
[FIGURE 61 OMITTED]
The authors are sure that the map of Lithuania's ethnographic
regions will help the people to better know the borders of cultural
distinctions, what ethno cultural traditions should be cherished and
which unique values should be preserved.
Conclusions
Cultural identity of Samogitians had a great impact on the
development of the nation of Lithuania. An encouraging factor to prepare
this publication was the respect towards the history of Samogitia and
its cultural heritage, bearing a special historical value. This article
is devoted to the significant event for the history of the whole Europe:
a 600 year anniversary baptism Samogitia.
The maps thoroughly, vividly and informatively express the very
essence of the fixed phenomenon or event which no other written document
can do. One of the aims of the article is to encourage to more widely
use maps as historical documents and to compare them with written
information; which allows to assess an event or a historical period more
clearly. The presented maps, in our opinion, fully reflect the
peculiarities and variety of Samogitia.
We hope that the publication will encourage researchers to study
the history of Samogitia using maps in more depth. This is what the
authors of the publication as well as other mentioned authors have done.
Our article provides helpful links for the readers interested in more
detailed studies of specific maps.
Summarizing we can state that the above mentioned Samogitia and
Lithuania maps by Lithuanian and foreign authors lack thorough
historical analysis and attention to become scientific discussions, so
the society of Lithuania is hardly aware of them. The historical problem
of the Samogitia can be solved only by joined efforts of cartographers,
linguists and historians. We hope that this work will become an
additional step towards the problem solution.
doi: 10.3846/20296991.2014.930255
References
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Bernard Wolpowski's 1526 map], Lietuvos metrastis, 2. Vilnius (in
Lithuanian).
Chomskis, V 1958. The cartographical expression of the territory of
Lithuania (A historical review), Collectanea acta geographica Lithuania,
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Viktoras Lukosevicius
University of Siauliai, Department of Technology, Vilnius g.141,
LT-76353 Siauliai, Lithuania
E-mail: viktoras.lukosevicius@ktu.lt
Received 15 January 2014; accepted 10 June 2014
Viktoras LUKOSEVICIUS. Doctor, Prof. Department of Civil
Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Siauliai University Vilniaus g. 141,
LT-76353 Siauliai, Lithuania (Ph +370 41 595843, fax +370 41 595832).
A graduate of Kaunas Polytechnic Institute (now Kaunas University
of Technology), geodetic engineer, 1962. Doctor's degree at
Institute of Surveying, Aerial Photography and Cartography, Moscow,
1966. Publications: 2 books, over 70 research articles; participant of
conferences in USA, Brasil, Sweden, Norway, Russia. Fellowship Winner,
NATO and Italy National Science Competition, 1996. Member of Association
for the Advancement of Baltic Studies.
Research interests: history geodesy and cartography.