Das Dritte Buch / Elbwangen.

Title

Das Dritte Buch / Elbwangen.

General view of Ellwangen in Baden-Württemberg in the year 1549 with a large coat of arms display in the sky. The reverse side shows a mounted battle between Jost von Burgau and Jörg Hail zu Hall in the year 1005, with a German description.

ca. 1574

Artist

Münster (1489-1552)

Sebastian Münster (1489–1552) was a leading Renaissance cosmographer. His most famous work, the Cosmographia (1544), was a comprehensive description of the world with 24 maps, based on research dating back to 1528. Continuously revised, the 1550 edition already included many new maps. It was the first scientific yet accessible world description published in German, illustrated with numerous woodcuts by artists such as Hans Holbein the Younger. Between 1544 and 1650, the Cosmographia appeared in 46 editions (27 in German) and was translated into several languages. Münster’s work combined the knowledge of scholars, artists, and travelers and remained influential long after his death.

Historical Description

Ellwangen is a historic town in the eastern part of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, known for its long history and cultural heritage. The town has its roots in the early Middle Ages. Ellwangen was first documented in the 8th century and became an important center of the Frankish Empire. In the Middle Ages, Ellwangen developed into a significant bishopric. In the 8th century, Saint Gallus (who is also known for founding the city of St. Gallen in Switzerland) established a monastery in Ellwangen, which became an important religious center. In the 16th century, the town played a major role during the Reformation and the Thirty Years' War. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire and was a strategic location during this period. In the 18th century, Ellwangen became known for its Baroque architecture, particularly with the construction of the Ellwangen Basilica. Today, the town is renowned for its historic old town, the St. Vitus Basilica, Ellwangen Castle, and its picturesque location in the Jagst Valley.