16th century map of the Eastern Mediterranean. Published around 1590, this map shows the coasts of the Eastern Mediterranean (lower frame) and the Black Sea (upper right), and forms part of a portolan atlas (a collection of navigational charts) by the cartographer Joan Oliva, who was active from 1580-1615. Several compass roses and artworks of sailing ships adorn the oceans, while the coasts are heavily annotated with the names of rivers, ports and bays. The lines on the map are rhumb lines, designed to make it easier to steer a straight course. Although the coastlines are distorted, maps like this were among the best available at the time.