Two sheets to be joined as one, showing Ancient Rome in superb detail viewed from the west looking over the Tiber. Georg Braun’s and Frans Hogenberg’s ‘Civitates Orbis Terrarum’ was, ultimately, a six-volume work of over five hundred plans and views of the world’s major cities. Three plans of Rome were included, one showing the contemporary city and two, of which this is the largest, most detailed and most visually dramatic, showing the city in ancient times. Both historical views were provided by the Italian, Pirro Ligorio, this one completed about 1561. A large informative title piece occupies the top part of the upper plate, while the lower plate includes a large numbered key along the lower border to two hundred and sixty-nine buildings and locations identified on the plan. Easily identified buildings include the Circus Maximus, the Forum, the Colosseum, Palatine and the Hippodrome. In the foreground are found a Roman centurion and two noble citizens. A fascinating and very decorative plan from the fourth volume of a great work. An example of the first state. Fauser, A. 11932; Koeman II B & H 4 nos. 54 & 55.