MERIAN Matthaus, "Insula Candia olim Creta" with inset map of the Eastern Mediterranean centered in Greece and plans of: "Spina-Longa", "Suda", "Canea", & "Retimo". Printed in the 9th part of "Theatrum Europaeum..." and only in the first edition of 1672. Fine hand-colouring, map dim.42x31cm. Rare “mosaic” presenting Crete framed with inset maps of the main island sites & fortifications, and a smaller scale map projecting the position of Crete in the Eastern Mediterranean. The inset maps show the fortresses and fortifications of the great cities of Rethymno and Chania on the right side, and the fortifications of the two islets of Spinalonga & Suda on the left. The map was issued in 1672, just three years after the “fall of Candia” and the capture of the island by the Ottomans. Spinalonga and Souda, highlighted in this map, remained in Venetian hands even after the rest of Crete fell to the Ottomans and until 1715. The map expresses the still strong interest for recapturing Candia, an attempt undertaken by the Venetian fleet in 1692 without success. Zacharakis 2292.