Theatre of the World (Theatrum Orbis Terrarum) (1570) - Page 7

TO LORD PHILIP OF AUS-

original: "D. Philippo Austriaco". Philip II of Spain (1527–1598) was the primary patron of Ortelius and the ruler of the first global empire.

TRIA, SON OF CHARLES V,

original: "Caroli V." Charles V was the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. He abdicated his various thrones to his son Philip and his brother Ferdinand.

AUGUST ROMAN EMPEROR,

original: "Avg. Rom. Imp. F." An abbreviation for "Augusti Romani Imperatoris Filio" (Son of the August Roman Emperor). The term "August" was a title denoting majesty and sacred authority.

KING OF THE INDIES,

original: "Indiarum". At this time, this term referred to the Spanish territories in the Americas, known as the West Indies, as well as territories in Asia.

THE SPAINS, ETC.,

original: "Hispaniarumque". The plural "Spains" acknowledges the various distinct kingdoms, such as Castile, Aragon, and Leon, which were united under Philip’s rule.

MONARCH OF THE MOST

AMPLE EMPIRE OF ALL

AGES AND OF THE

WHOLE WORLD,

ABRAHAM ORTELIUS

OF ANTWERP DEDI-

original: "Antverpianus". This identifies the author as a citizen of Antwerp, which was a major center for printing, banking, and trade in the sixteenth century.

CATES AND CONSE-

CRATES [THIS WORK].

original: "Ded. Consecratque." These are formal Latin terms used in dedications. To "consecrate" a work was to offer it with the highest level of respect, similar to a religious offering.