Hydrographic map of the Persian Gulf, 1712.

ARABIA - JULY 15: Engraved hydrographic (marine) chart of the Persian (now Iranian) coast, including �Bassora� (Basra in Iraq), top left; Bahrain, and the Straits of Hormuz. There are also illustrations of the towns of �Kismis� (Qeshm, Iran), and �Mascatta� (Masqat, Oman). From 'Amoenitatum exoticarum' (often translated as 'Exotic Novelties', published in Germany, 1712), by Engelbert Kaempfer (1651-1716). Kaempfer was a German who travelled in Persia (Iran), India, Siam (Thailand), Java (Indonesia) and Japan. He assembled a large collection, including natural specimens, costumes, books, calendars, and maps. His botanical drawings were later published by the naturalist Joseph Banks (1743-1820). (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)