Cartographic image of Samogitia in the old maps of Lithuania, Poland and other neighboring countries (1700–1939)

AbstractWhile continuing researches on ancient cartography (Lukosevicius 2014) the publication is aimed at viewing maps of Samogitia in the perspective of historical events, with a special emphasis on most important historical events as well as cartography development moments. The method used is analysis the most representitive examples of maps, by different authors, found in cartographical archives. The article presents the authors and designers over 60 maps where Samogitia is marked and discusses map characteristics. It also provides links that are helpful for the readers interested in a more detailed studies of specific maps. Such presentation should help revise and complete the historical image of Samogitia because the old maps were not specific to any one topic. They – the universal, they were reflected in both the natural and social phenomena and the evolution of patterns. It was also available and various historical comments. Often, the old maps are often associated with military needs.Summarizing ...


The maps illustrating the history of Samogitia in the 18th century
In 1702, january 27 Carol XII together with the Swedish military forces crossed the border of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and marched into Samogitia. By February 17 the Army had reached Raseiniai. Over the years 1710-1711 plague was widely spread in Samogitia and due to that entire villages were left deserted. Samogitia lost almost 1/3 of its population.
After the third division of the Republic, in 1795, Samogitia was passed on to Russia. In the same year the entire left bank of the Nemunas starting with Baltstogė till šakiai was attached to Prussia, while the approached its natural conditions, the geographical position of the Nemunas River lower-reaches was defined more precisely (Chomskis 1958).
In Fig. 1 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania by Frederick de Witt.
Frederik de Wit(t) (1616-1698) established his printing office in Amsterdam 1648 and published several atlases since 1670 (Atlas, Atlas Minor, Atlas Maior, a sea atlas and a Belgium atlas). Besides atlases, he has published 124 land maps and 27 sea maps on separate sheets. His son and grandson of the same name produced 130 maps in total, too. The Wits' firm was shut down in 1706 and its plates passed into the ownership of Pieter Mortier (1661-1711), a geographer, copper engraver, printer and publisher from Amsterdam, who has also published the present map. After Mortier's death the firm passed into the ownership of jean Covens ja Cornielle Mortier who named the firm Covens & Mortier.
Paul de La Feuille  There are currently no comments on this author. He is a son of Daniel de La Feuille Paul followed the tradition of engraving small format maps. Together with brother jacob He published his masterpiece in 1692 "Devises et Emblems", a collection of symbols, allegories and designs mostly likely intended as templates for silversmiths, engravers, and watchmakers. He continued his father cartographic work and published numerous individual maps and atlases.
The most interesting appears to be the map of Samogitia dated 1702, by a Swedish cartographer (Fig. 3). It was exhibited in the National Museum of Lithuania. The exhibition was prepared by the Swedish Kingdom's Embassy in Lithuania and called "The Flags and Maps of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania". The map covers the area, where the Swedish army was deployed in 1701-1702 and it almost coincides with the zone of activities of the Swedish Military forces in 1701, December. The map depicts the lands, which belong to šiauliai and Panevėžys regions, almost entire Kelmės region, a greater part of jurbarkas region, entire regions of Raseiniai and Kėdainiai and northern part of Kaunas region (Lietuvos… 2006).
In Fig. 4 Samogitia on the large, original map of Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, by Guillaume de l'Isle: (La Pologne... Paris: "Chez l' Auteur sur le Quai de l'Horlage a la Courone de Diamans...Et se trouve a Amsterdam chez Louis Renard Libraire prez de la Bourse"). This is rare second state of this important map.
The author's address has changed to "le Quai de l'Horlage a la Courone de Diamans", which he occupied only in 1707 and the the first couple of months of 1708. The commercial relationship between de l'Isle and Louis Renard in Amsterdam was negotiated in 1706, and probably did not warrant the inscription found here "Et se trouve a Amsterdam chez Louis Renard Libraire prez de la Bourse", before 1707. So one can date this map 1707 with some confidence. The relationship between de l'Isle and Renard was strained from the beginning and was never a success, but it was not terminated formally until 1718. Depicts Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus. Of note, Poland has been divided into "Petitie Pologne" and "Grande Pologne". Also depicted is part of the Baltic Sea.
Guillaume Delisle (L'Isle, G.) (1675-1726) was a French cartographer who lived in Paris. Guillaume Delisle's first works were "The Map of the World" and "The Map of the Continents", both published in 1700.
These and the terrestrial maps produced subsequently, which surpassed all similar publications, established the son's fame. His 1718 map, Carte de la Louisiane et du Cours du Mississipi was the first detailed map of the interior of what is now the United States. It was based on the early expeditions of the French explorer Bourgmont. He prepared about 100 maps and wrote on mensuration and ancient geography. In 1718 he was the first to become chief geographer to the king.
In Fig. 5  In Fig. 6 Samogitia on the map of Livonia and Curland by Frederick de Witt. In the very colorful map fragment in the area northern part of Samogitia is marked major rivers, forests, very exceptionally marked Platelių Lake and city šiauliai (Szawle Gross Schaulen).
In Fig. 7 Samogitia is presented in the stunning c. 1710 map of the Baltic coast consisting of northern Poland, Konigsburg and parts of Lithuania, by the Nurmburg cartographer j. B. Homann.
In the area of Samogitia we can see mountains and forests are rendered in profile following Homann's typical stylistic conventions. The map was engraved by j. B. Homann and printed in Nuremburg, Germany.
In Fig. 8  Johann Baptist Homann (1664-1724) was a German geographer and cartographer, who made maps of the Americas. Homann was born in Oberkammlach near Kammlach, which is now in Bavaria. Although educated at a jesuit school, he eventually converted to Protestantism. In 1715 Homann was appointed Imperial Geographer of the Holy Roman Empire. Giving such privileges to individuals was an added right that the Holy Roman Emperor enjoyed. In the same year he was also named a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences. Of particular significance to cartography were the imperial printing privileges (Latin privilegia impressoria). These protected for a time the authors in all scientific fields such as printers, copper engravers, map makers and publishers. They were also very important as recommendation for potential customers. In 1716 Homann published his masterpiece Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt (Grand Atlas of all the World).
In  Amsterdam (c. 1728). He is best known as a Dutch cartographer and more specifically for his cartographic contribution in the seminal seven volume Atlas Historique, published in Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720. Innovative for its time, the Atlas Historique combined fine engraving and artwork with scholarly studies of geography, history, ethnology, heraldry, and cosmography. Some scholarship suggests that the Atlas Historique was not exclusively compiled by Henri Chatelain, as is commonly believed, but rather was a family enterprise involving Henri, his father Zacharie and his brother, also Zacharie.
In Fig. 10 we present Samogitia on the scarce and handsomely engraved map of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and surrounding regions compiled by the distinguished Royal Geographer Georg Matthäus Seutter. This is the first state of the map (a second state in 1728 added letters to the scales in borders) and as such is a particularly fine, strong impression. Seutter based the cartography on Frederik de Wit's 1670 map of the region which was also the basis for a map issued by Homann in 1705-both Homann and Seutter's map are de facto close copies of De Wit with regard to the cartography. Stretching from St. Petersburg to the Black Sea and Stockholm to Vienna, the map covers a broad range of territory but still presents a wealth of detail including charming pictorial topography.
The map includes Samogitia and Curlandia as the lands of Lithuanian Duchy. The western border reaches the Baltic sea, the very northern point being the southern bank of Liepoja Lake. Amongst other settlements Raseiniai (Rosienne), Biržai (Birze), Kėdainiai (Kiedany) and Radviliškis (Radzivill) are most outstanding.
Seutter, Matthäus (The Elder): 1678-1757, born and died in Augsburg. Seutter was an engraver, globe-  printing and selling during the first half of 18th Century. The family business was founded by their father joachim, but most productive during the time of Reiner and joshua. joachim, the founder of the firm, was initially employed as a copperplate engraver by Frederick de Wit. In 1711 joachim founded his own firm. Though joachim died only a few years later, his sons Renier and joshua took over the firm and presided over its most prolific period. The Ottens family's most notable contribution to cartography were its enormous made-to-order multi-volume atlases such as the Atlas maior cvm generales omnivm totius orbis regnorvm, Amsterdam, 1729. This atlas is a seven-volume compendium of assembled-to-order star charts and geographical maps. Some examples of the Atlas are compiled from over 800 separately issued maps. In Fig. 12 Samogitia is shown in the map Borussia-Lithuania-Russia by Homann Heirs (Potentissimo Borussorum Regi Friderico Wilhelmo Maiestate, Fortitudine Clementia Augustissimo Hancce Maiestate, Fortitudine Clementia Augustissimo Hancce Lithuaniam Borussicam: in qua luca coloniis Salisburg., ad incolendum Regio nutu concessa chorographice exhibentur D. D. D. Regiae Suae Maiestatis). A set of 2 original antique maps that can be joined together to one very large 2-sheet map of an area of Lithuania and Eastern Prussia (Russian province of Kaliningrad) stretching from Klaipėda (Memel) in the north to Goldap in the south (a town on the Polish -Russian (Kaliningrad) border, Tilsit (Sovetsk) and Gumbinnen (Gusev). This detailed map shows many towns, a dam, regions, woods, rivers, etc. and a large figurative cartouche and a plan of the city of Gumbinnen.
A very decorative sought-after set of maps with large title cartouche and detailed only the western part of Samogitia.
In Fig. 13 Samogitia on the antique hand coloured and beautifully detailed c. 1739 map of Poland and Lithuania including land of modern day of Latvia, Belorus and Ukraine by johann Baptist Homann. The map notes fortified cities, villages, roads, bridges, forests, castles and topography of Samogitia and other countries.
In Fig. 14 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania by Guillaume Delise, 1742 from William Darton, Atlas to Walker's Geography. London: Vernor and Hood, etc., 1802.
In Fig. 15 Samogitia is shown in a new and accurate map of Poland, Lithuania &c. Divided into its Palatinats, drawn from the best authorities, assisted by the most approved modern maps. Publisher William Innys et al., London.  Map being a description of the countries, islands, cities, chief towns, harbours, lakes, and rivers, mountains, mines, &c. The whole illustrated by Emanuel Bowen, Geographer to His Majesty, being all newdrawn and ingraved according to the latest discoveries and surveys; making, of themselves, a complete atlas, for the sse of gentlemen, merchants, mariners, and others, who delight in history and geography.
The western part Samogitia on the map reaches of the Baltic Sea. This map is one of those where Samogitia shown as independent duchy Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Emanuel Bowen (1714-1767) had the high distinction to be named Royal Mapmaker to both to King George II of England and Louis XV of France. Based in London from 1714 onwards, Bowen was highly regarded for producing some of the largest, most detailed, most accurate and most attractive maps of his era. He is known to have worked with some of the most prominent cartographic names of the period including Herman Moll, john Owen, and Thomas Kitchin. Despite his renown and success, Bowen, like many cartographers, died in poverty. Upon Emanuel Bowen's death, his cartographic work was taken over by his son, Thomas Bowen.
In Fig. 16  ing familiar with the maps by M.K. Radziwill, N. Sanson and F. de Vitt was inspired to make a dependable map of his country, which had fewer mistakes and was more applicable for practical usage. So, the map of 1749, which was printed in Norinberg johan Homan's family publishing house became a valuable piece of graphics, regarding its cartographical facts as well as esthetic appearance. j. Nepracky enriched his map by solid and interesting information. He creatively with the use of special signs, i.e.crossed swords and related dates, pointed out a few places, where the Lithuanian Army during the wars with Sweden and Russia had their camps or fatal ballets.
The neighbourhood of Samogitia includes a dense net of rivers and some smaller rivers have names, the forests are depicted using silhouette drawings of trees and the settlements are grouped into four categories, depending on their political, administrative, economic and cultural importance. j. Nepriecki's map was better analysed and described by A. Samas (2002).
Jean Niepreckis (Nieprzecki) (1719-1754) from Warsaw was a teacher of mathematics and a jesuit monk. In 1746-1750 he taught in the colleges of Polock, Gardin, Lomža and Pašiaušė (Samogitia). After 1750 he moved to Warsaw and worked as a teacher in the jesuit College there. Besides theology and liberal arts, he was also interested in geography, geodesy and cartography.
In Fig. 17 Samogitia on the old map of Poland published in 1749. Full original name of the map: graving was already completed by him on August 12, 1700.
Selection works: Atlas of Saxony with numerous Office maps; Atlas Selectus of all kingdoms and countries of the world, for convenient use in schools, traveling and bey reading the newspapers (1st Edition of 1740, 2nd Edition 1749); Atlas Geographicus; Engraving of Katharinenstraße 12-16 in Leipzig, 1720.
In Fig Cartographer Tobias Conrad Lotter (1717-1777) was a publisher of maps in Augsburg, Germany. He inherited the family mapmaking business from his father-in-law, Matthias Seutter. Lotter published atlases and numerous sheet maps, including this map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, becoming one of the better-known cartographers in the eighteenth-centu-  In the year 1700 was commissioned to produce a plan of the city of Bautzen, where all the houses of the city should be to see. This, later writers plan called en-ry. After his death in 1777, the business was continued by his son Matthias Albrecht Lotter.
In Fig. 20 Samogitia on the map of Poland and Prussia by jean janvier. Original title of the map: "LES ROyAUMES DE POLOGNE ET DE PRUSSE Avec LE DUCHE DE CURLANDE...", Rare first edition: later, more common editions were published in 1774 and 1780.
Jean or Robert Janvier (1746-1776) was a Paris based cartographer active in the mid to late 18th century. janvier true first name is a matter of debate, as it appears as it often appears as either jean or Robert. More commonly, janvier simply signed his maps Signor janvier. By the late 18th century janvier seems to have been awarded the title of "Geographe Avec Privilege du Roi" and this designations appears on many of his latter maps. janvier worked with many of the most prominent French, English and Italian map publishers of his day, including Faden, Lattre, Bonne, Santini, Zannoni, Delamarche, and Desnos.
In Jan Jakub Kanter (1738-1786) publisher and bookseller, worked in Königsberg in the eighteenth century, developed a map of Polish probably much earlier than it has been issued, as indicated by the lack of use of materials other cartographers (Czaki, Endersch), who spent his earlier work. j. j Kanter probably developed map based on the manuscript map of the modernized by A.F. Büsching and done probably in the years 1764-1768.

Maps of Samogitia in the period of first two Partitions
In Fig. 22  William Faden (1750-1836) was an English cartographer and publisher of the late 18th century. Faden worked under the direction of Thomas jefferys. jefferys held the position as "Geographer to the King and to the Prince of Wales", and upon his death in 1771, this position passed to William Faden. By 1822 Faden published over 350 known maps, atlases, and military plans. Faden had a particular interest in the mapping of North America and is best known for his important publication of the North American Atlas. William Faden is also well known for his publication of the first maps for the British Ordnance Survey in 1801. Following his death in 1836 Faden's firm was taken over by james Wyld.
In Fig. 23 fragment of the map made by a German cartographer johann Walch, engraver F. X. Hutter and included in the atlas of johann Walch, Augsburg 1796.
It presents the political situation after the first two partitions of Polish. In the frame scaling legend: "Grenze Polens vor dem jahr 1773", scale 1:2100 000". Fig. 24 Samogitia on the English map of Poland previous to its First partition. Author not indicated in the map.
In Fig. 25 Samogitia in the map of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Dutchy of Lithuania by Tobias Mayer. Map emphasizes that the Samogitia belonged to Lithuania and its an administrative territorial unit, Johann Tobias Mayer (1723-1762) German cartographer, astronomer, and physicist who improved standards of observation and navigation. He produced a map of the Moon's surface and concluded that it had no atmosphere. Mayer was born in Marbach, near Stuttgart. He learned architectural drawing and surveying and taught himself mathematics, French, Italian, and English. He published his first book, on the application of analytical methods to the solution of geometrical problems, at the age of 18. In 1746 he began work for the Homann Cartographic Bureau in Nuremberg, and he ended his career as professor at the Georg August Academy in Göttingen.
At the Homann Cartographic Bureau, Mayer drew up some 30 maps of Germany. These established exacting new standards for using geographical data in conjunction with astronomical details to determine latitudes and longitudes on Earth. To obtain some of the astronomical details, he observed lunar Engraver Hieronymus Benedicti . There is no more information.
In Fig. 27 Samogitia on an uncommon map which, despite the date, shows northern Lithuania after the Second Partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwwealth of 1793. Map by Bartolomeo Borghio and Vincenzo Pazzinio Carlio "Il Gran Ducato di Lituania Diviso ne suoi Palatinati".
As a cartographer before his arrival in Florence he received by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo many positions of scientific and economic interest, including the map of Cortona's cadastre, the map of the county near Castiglione and a project for the use of water as a motive power for irrigation in Val di Chiana.
In Fig. 28  Austrian born Franz Johann Joseph von Reilly (1766-1820) was a Viennese art dealer who in his early twenties turned to map publishing, and between the years 1789 and 1806 produced a total of no less than 830 maps. His "Schauplatz der fünf Theile der Welt" (World Atlas) in fact covered only maps of Europe,  whilst the Grosser Deutscher Atlas also included maps of other continents and was, therefore, the first World Atlas produced by an Austrian. Reilly's "Grosser deutscher Atlas" was also notable as the first completely ' Austrian' atlas. This large world atlas, containing relatively few maps, was issued between 1794 and the end of 1796. Reilly may have used Franz Anton Schraembl's work as his model, at least in part.
In Fig. 29 Samogitia on the rare compete example of Rizzi-Zannoni's 1783 decorative four panel map of the German empire and Poland. Original Title of the map: "Carte de L'Empire D' Alemagne avec les Etats de Boheme". Rizzi-Zannoni's map covers from jutland to the Gulf of Venice and from england to Poland. The map offers excellent detail throughout showing mountains, rivers, forests, national boundaries, regional boundaries, forts, and cities. Drawn by Rizzi-Zannoni c. 1783 for issue as plate nos. 14-17 in jean Lattre's 1783 edition of the Atlas Moderne (Atlas Moderne ou Collection de Cartes sur Toutes les Parties du Globe Terrestre).
In Fig. 30 Samogitia on the beautifully-engraved map of Poland was published circa 1791 by Giovanni Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni as "Carte Generale de Ia Pologne." Giovanni Antonio Bartolomeo Rizzi Zannoni (1736-1814) was a noted astronomer, surveyor and mathematician of great versatility active in Venice and Naples. Zannoni was born in Padua, Italy. Between 1749 and 1751 Zannoni studied Astronomy at the University of Padua under john Polen, a prominent astronomer of the period. After leaving the University, Zannoni was commissioned by the King of Poland, Augustus III, to map that country. His achievements included a large scale map of Poland, appointments as geographer to the Venetian Republic, and as hydrographer to the Depot de Marine in Paris. The maps in his various atlases were beautifully engraved, showing minute detail and embellished with elaborate cartouches. Rizzi Zannoni is known for his world atlas, the French edition of which was published in 1762 as Atlas Moderne by Lattré in Bordeaux.
In 1781, he was invited by the Bourbon rulers of the Kingdom of Naples to direct the Topographical Office, among the first governmental cartographic agencies in Europe. There he produced celebrated land and maritime atlases of the region, as well as many separately issued maps.
In Fig. 31 is presented a new map of Poland, and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, shewing their dismemberments and divisions between Austria, Russia and Prussia, in 1772, 1793 and 1795, from the latest Laurie and Whittle (fl. 1794-1858) were London, England, based map and atlas publishers active in the late 18th and early 19th century. Generally considered to be the successors to the Robert Sayer firm, Laurie and Whittle was founded by Robert Laurie (c. 1755-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818). Robert Laurie was a skilled mezzotint engraver and is known to have worked with Robert Sayer on numerous projects. james Whittle was a well-known London socialite and print seller whose Fleet Street shop was a popular haunt for intellectual luminaries. The partnership began taking over the general management of Sayer's firm around 1787; however, they did not alter the Sayer imprint until after Sayer's death in 1794. Apparently Laurie did most of the work in managing the firm and hence his name appeared first in the "Laurie and Whittle" imprint. Together Laurie and Whittle published numerous maps and atlases, often bringing in other important cartographers of the day, including Kitchin, Faden, jefferys and others to update and modify their existing Sayer plates.

The maps illustrating the history of Samogitia in the 19th century
In 1795 after the third partition of the Republic, Samogitia was ceded to Russia.This period is characterized by the struggle for autonomy which then developed into a struggle for the full independence of Lithuania. The Lithuanian question which had at first arisen only within the Russian political arena gradually acquired an international character until finally the world perceived the reborn Lithuanian state.
In Fig. 33 Samogitia in the begining of the 19th century is presented on the map of Poland and Lithuania by Robert Wilkinson.
The French Invasion of Russia in 1812, also known as the Russian Campaign in France and the Patriotic War of 1812 in Russia was a turning point during the Napoleonic Wars. It reduced the French and allied invasion forces (the Grande Armée) to a tiny fraction of their initial strength and triggered a major shift in European politics as it dramatically weakened French hegemony in Europe.
In Fig, 34 Samogitia on the map "Kriegs -Theater zwischen Frankreich und Russian (1812)". Map is representative of the former territories of the Republic of Both Nations in the Napoleon wars epoch. Scale of the map 1:1 7000 000. Map publisher Artaria and Comp. In Fig. 35 Samogitia on the map of Russian provinces in 1831 (Karte der Russischen Provinzen Curland, Schamaiten, Lithauen, Podleisen &Volhynien. Order der Gouverments).
In Fig. 37 james Wyld's "A Map of the Kingdom of Poland", 1843. This map was originally published with a different title by William Faden in 1795 (Fig. 22). The map is based on the Rizzi-Zannoni 24-sheet map of 1772 that was commissioned by the King of Poland. An inset contains a bird's-eye plan of Warsaw flanked by tables of information concerning the population, religion, and languages. A color key below the title identifies the regions of Prussia, Russia, Austria and the Kingdom of Poland. Wyld, successor to William Faden, maintained the high standard of graphic and factual excellence that had been established by his predecessor and his maps are among the finest published in the early 19th century.
Cartographer James Wyld I (1790-1836) and his son James Wyld II (1812-1887) were the principles of English mapmaking dynasty active in London during much of the 19th century. The elder Wyld was a map publisher under William Faden and did considerable work on the Ordinance Survey. On Faden's retirement, the Wyld took over Faden's workshop acquiring many of his plates. Wyld's work can often be distinguished from his son's maps through his imprint, which he signed as "Successor to Faden". Following in his father's footsteps the younger Wyld joined the Royal Cartographical Society in 1830 at the tender age of 18. When his father died in 1836, james Wyld II was pre-  During the early 13 th century, most of modern day Estonia, Latvia and parts of Lithuania were conquered by two German religious orders. In 1236 the Mindaugas defeated the Livonians and were crowned Kings of Lithuania, thus establishing the short-lived Kingdom of Lithuania. The whole is rendered in finely engraved detail exhibiting throughout the fine craftsmanship of the Perthes firm. Prepared by Karl Spruner for publication as plate D XII in the second edition of justus Perthes 1854 Historich-Geographischer, Hand-Atlas zur Geschichte der Staaten europa's vom Anfang des Mittelalters bis auf die Neueste Zeit.
Karl von Spruner  or Spruner Karl von Merz or Spruneri was a Stuttgart born cartographer, scientist, and map publisher active in Germany during the middle part of the 19th century. joining the Bavarian army at the tender age of 11, Spruner dedicated most of his life to military service. Spruner's superiors, recognizing his keen intellect, eventually assigned him to the army's cartographic division. Military education earned him the title of Doctor of Cartography in 1852. In1855 he attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and, in 1883, General. Cartographically, Spruner is best known for his historical atlases, most of which were published by the justus Perthes firm. His much admired maps studiously applied historical political geographies to contemporary physical geographies. Spruner also worked with Heinrich Theodore Menke, a well-known German mapmaker, to produce and later revise his many historical maps. Fig. 40  Close examination of the maps shows many features that one would expect to find only on much larger maps. This atlas was first published in 1817, with editions continuing well into the 20th century. It was one of the most comprehensive and best executed 19th century German atlases. In this edition, the maps are dated 1871-1875.
By the end of the 19 th c. the Czarist Russia possessed stocks of different maps which had both Lithuania and Samogitia. They also had dense hydrographic nets, a number of settlements, as well as designed boundaries of provinces and counties (Fig. 41). In the nicks one may find the plans of the most significant administrative centers (Kaunas, Vilnius, šiauliai, Telšiai).
In Fig. 42 Samogitia on the map of Gubernias of Lithuania and Belorus by Benedykt Hertz published by Edmund Nowickij in Kuryer Litewski (The Lithuanian Courier, Lithuanian newspaper).
In Fig. 43 Samogitia in the map with the title "Etnographische karte von Litauen" [Etnographic map of Lithuania] from book by V. Gaigalaitis (1917). In the map is marked the Lithuanian language areas and linguistically mixed areas. Samogitia is attributed to the Lithuanian language area.
Vilius Gaigalaitis (Wilhelm Gaigalat) (1870-1945) was political, public and cultural figure in Lithuania Minor, doctor of Theology, professor. In the Lithuanian and German press published articles on church and public issues. He wrote 25 books and booklets.

Reflection Cristianity of Samogitia on the maps
In the 15th century, Samogitia was the last region in Europe to be converted to Christianity. In 1413 Vytautas and jogaila accompanied by several priests began baptizing the population. In 1415 a delegation of sixty Samogitian nobles visited the Council of Constance to announce the territory's conversion. The diocese of Samogitia or Medininkai was established in 1417, with its center at Varniai. Vytautas endowed the diocese with land and provided funds for the construction of the cathedral and parish churches (in Ariogala, Kaltinėnai, Kelmė, Kražiai, Luokė, Raseiniai, Veliuona, Viduklė). The first bishop was Canon Matthew of Vilnius, who administered the diocese from 1417-1422. But the conversion of the Samogitian population proceeded very slowly, especially in the more remote areas; as late as the 16th century, there were only 38 churches and the people still practiced their pagan religion. Consequently the Calvinist Reformation movement had a great success in Samogitia, particularly among the nobility. Protestantism, however, was not able to survive the Catholic Counter Reformation, which was led by the Samogitian Bishop Merkelis Giedraitis (dead 1609). Of considerable significance to the religious and cultural life of Samogitia was the jesuit college at Kraziai (1616Kraziai ( -1773. The 17 th century the Marian Shrine at Siluva gained wide recognition throughout the country. The Samogitian countryside became and miniature chapels erected along the roadways, in farmsteads, and cemeteries. The jesuits had been invited by Bishop Giedraitis in 1608; a few years earlier the Franciscans had settled in Kretinga (1602).
The fragment of the map of Poland of 1526 created by Bernard Wapowski, covering almost the entire area of historical Samogitia, can be viewed as a source for studies of the network of Catholic churches and parishes of Samogitia of the beginning of the 16th century (Bucevičiūtė 2007).
Only about 1760 in Nesvyžius was created Bernardine monasteries distribution in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania map scale 1:1 700 000 engraved by Herszek Leybowicz which marked 28 monasteries (Fig. 44). The map is stored in the Library of the Lithuanian Academy Sciences.
Herszek Leybowicz (1700-1770) was a self-educated artist, and not all of his carvings were a success. Most of the portrayed seem very alike, their individual traits are distinct only in some of the works. H. Leybowic carved on copper tablets. This technique was widely applied in reproduction of paintings.
The researhers of the old Lithuania culture are well-acquainted with the personality of Stanislovas Čerskis (Stanislaw Czerski) (1777-1831), a canon of Samogitia, the author of the booklet "Opis Žmudzkiey dyecezyi" published in Vilnius in 1830 (Description of the Diocese of Samogitia). This simple and laconic book gives plenty of statistical information but fewer personal notices and insights as well as historical excursus. It is also the first attempt to overview Samogitia Dioceze and present it to the public and also the first try of both visually and cartographically illustrated description of Samogitia Dioceze (Fig. 45), Skuodas Deanery and Salantai Parish. It could be treated as one of the first works of primary regional studies in Lithuania (Czerski 1830).
The diozese of Samogitia covered a major part of Lithuania and was highly important in its history. Requested by the Bishop M. Valančius an outstanding person of Samogitia juozapas juzumas having analysed Kaunas Gubernija map, designed by Russian military topographers and having selected geographical objects, suitable for cartography as well as other special elements together with his brother Vincentas  Fig. 46 shows the Samogitia Dioceze map, as designed by juozapas juzumas. It is a rare Central Lithuanian cultural and cartographical value of the 19 th century. The map gives a detailed cartographical view (rivers, lakes, roads, settlements, etc.) from Latvia to the Nemunas, from the Baltic Sea to Breslauja. As its geographical basis j. juzumas used the map of the general staff of Czarist Russia. Evidently the author remade it and translated Russian names of geographical objects into a fashionable language of that time -Polish.
The map is really professionally designed despite the fact that its author was not a cartographer. It includes all the elements of a true map: mathematical framing, geographical grid, scale and arbitrary signs. The map scale is 1:480 000. A. Samas gave a much broader description of the map ending it with the following sentence: "We can be proud of having a rich map of Samogitia Dioceze and we can value it as a precious heritage of enlightened people for the researchers of Lithuanian cartography" (Samas 2006). Fig. 47 Diocezen map of Samogitia with ethnographic area of Lithuania by j. Franckevičius.In this map the different symbols is used to note cities, towns, villages with churches and without its. Also is shown Lithuanian ethnographic area and borders of Samogitia Dioceze. This map is exceptionally valuable for its detailed borders of Samogitia as well its settlements. (1920)(1921)(1922)(1923)(1924)(1925)(1926)(1927)(1928)(1929)(1930)(1931)(1932)(1933)(1934)(1935)(1936)(1937)(1938)(1939) Russia annexed Lithuania at the end of the 18 th century and in 1918 the state regained its independence. In 1920 Constitutive Seimas outlined the State's, defended in battles, political system with regard to its national background. The Seimas declared Lithuania as a democratic Republic. The newly established state badly needed international support but the major states supported Poland and avoided to recognize Lithuania as a separate and independent state.

Samogitia on the maps between two World wars
On the 23rd of March, 1918, the German Kaiser announced his recognition of the independence of Lithuania. However, until Germany capitulated in November that same year, Lithuania's international status remained undefined. On the 12th of December, 1918, Sweden was the first state to accord Lithuania de facto recognition. Russia and the major countries of the world recognised Lithuania's independence during 1920-1922. Lithuania was admitted to the League of Nations in 1921. designed the map of the Samogitia Diozese (Fig. 46). That is a valuable 19 th century rarity and is counted to be both cultural and cartographical value from that period.
Lithuanian cartography greatly improved after 1918, after reestablishing its statehood The State of Lithuania was returned to world maps again (Fig. 48). A considerable number of maps was designed by Lithuanian professionals and published. Lithuanian topographical maps were started to be designed in 1922. However, the implementation of these and similar intentions stopped in 1940, when the State was illegally occupied by the Soviet Union.
Jonas Žilius (1870-1932) being a priest, public-spirited, publicist and poet, translator, researcher, banker and diplomat has so far been a poorly acknowledged participant in the history of Lithuanian culture. He managed to accomplish a lot in the public life of Lithuanians in the USA and also contributed in attaching the land of Klaipėda to Lithuania.
In 1893 he graduated from Overbrook (USA) divinity seminary. During 1893-1908and 1916-1921he lived in the USA. In 1910-1914he studied in Zurich and Berlin Universities. In 1917-1919 he was a member of Lithuanian Nation Board in the USA and represented its Lithuanians in Paris Peace Conference which tried to define Europe after the end of the World War 1. The conference signed the Versailles treaty.
At that time namely, a term the land of Klaipėda appeared. During 1925-1926 jonas Žilius was the governor of the land. Fig. 50 Samogitia 1:1 050 000 scale in the map of Lithuania. The map is an appendage of the publication "The Peace Treaty of Lithuania and Russia". The Treaty was signed in 1920, july 12. According to the Treaty, Russia acknowledged the declared state's independence in the act of February 16, 1918, so its eastern border was marked.
In Fig. 51 (Fig. 52). During the interwar Antanas Vireliūnas  was treated to be the initiator of scientific geography in Lithuania. In 1922 he designed a world globe in Lithuanian. Most likely that the globe designed by A. Vireliūnas and printed in "švyturys" company is the first Lithuanian globe.
In Fig. 53 Samogitia in the map of Lithuania (with jonas Basanavičius and Vytautas Magnus portraits). Author is undefined. Map was printed in "Lithuanian Vienybė publishing Co.", A. Hoen & Co, Baltimor, USA, 1929. This map was distributed in different communities in the USA and the received revenue was donated for Lithuania which at that time was suffering from the world economic crisis.
In Fig. 54 the Smogitia is shown in the map of Grand Duchy of Lithuania (Wielkie Księstwo Litewskie w drugiej połowie XVI wieku) in the middle of XVIc. Map is created by jan jakubowski. Map is characterized by the fact that it is very clearly marked boundaries and location. On the map, as an administrative unit is noted Samogitia. In the area of Samogitia is a record "ZEMIA ZMUDZKA". Author jan jakubowski itself provides a fairly detailed description of the map and based the administrative division of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (jakubowsi 1928).
In Fig. 55 Samogitia in 1398-1409 on the historical map of Lithuania by O.Girčytė-Maksimavičienė.
Ona Girčytė-Maksimavičienė  historian, educator, one of the first historical cartography experts drawn maps of textbooks, atlases.

Reflection of historical Samogitia on the maps of nowdays creators
Inexhaustible treasures belong to Samogitia`s natural surroundings, history, people and culture. Perhaps the pretty stubborn character of local people created such an amazing spirit of Samogitia we see nowadays.
At present Samogitia is one of the four regions of Lithuania. The area of Samogitia is about 21,000 km², encompassing Klaipėda, Telšiai, Mažeikiai, part of the šiauliai, Tauragė and Kaunas districts. The borders of the Samogitian region coincide only approximately with the borders of the Samogitian dialect.
Within the greater part of this territory the inhabitants speak the Samogitian language (dialect). They have preserved their traditional way of life and customs.
Samogitia population is about 500 000 inhabitants. The inhabitants of the region still adhere to their traditional lifestyles. They are one of the several ethnic groups in Lithuania and they strive to retain their indigenous language and culture. The region uses three variations of local dialect. On the basis of these variations, the region can be demarcated into three main divisions. The people of Samogitia who inhabit the districts like Akmenė, Kretinga, Skuodas, Palanga, Mažeikiai, Telšiai and Plungė are known as northern Samogitians. The southern Samogitians comprise of the inhabitants of šilalė, Kuršėnai, Tauragė, Raseiniai, Varniai and Kelmė. The people of the districts of Priekulė, šilutė, Klaipėda are known as the western Samogitians (Regions… 2014).
In Fig. 56 Fig. 57 the map gives an artistic picture of Samogitia Duchy in the 18 th century. It was published by Samogitian Cultural Association in 1999. The map was designed under the coordination with historian Elmantas Meilus, Lithuanian Institute of History, its artist Arvydas Každailis. In it Samogitia lacks the south-eastern part. The eastern borders of Samogitia including present north-west corner of Užnemunė). Its artist is Karolis Dedūra (Taigra 2012).
In Fig. 59 Samogitia on the map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 18 th c., from Author archives: Taigra.
In Fig. 60 the sculpture "The Globe of Samogitia" in Telšiai, Lithuania. Author Artūras Valiūnas. Architect Algirdas Žebrauskas. Built in 2008. The author's idea of a cultural object is a smart answer to those who think that there are no Samogitians. The areas of Samogitia depicted on The Globe of Samogitia correspond to the actual map, and Telšiai, like Rome, stands on seven hills.
Where is Samogitia nowadays? Fig. 61 shows a segment of a map of Lithuanian ethnographical most probably coincide with those, dated 1398, October 12 th when Vytautas Magnus signed the contract with Teutonic Order; according to the contract the Grand Duchy gave the Order Samogitia land up to the Nevėžis River. So, Vytautas gave the Order not the whole Samogitia, but its major part -up to the Nevėžis. Fig. 57 shows the incomplete map of the Duchy of Samogitia, but only the part, given to the Order. However, the situation of the 18 th century as depicted in the map does not match the real situation of that time (jankauskas 2013). In Fig. 58 map territory of Samogitia more or less matches the future land of Samogitia Neighbourhood (historical part of Samogitia West from the Nevėžis, Fig. 60. The Sculpture "The Globe of Samogitia". Author Artūras Valiūnas, architect Algirdas Žebrauskas, Lithuania Source: http://www.telsiaitic.lt/16822/famous-places/smallsculptures.html r egions. The map was designed on the basis of different scientific research and conclusions by experts in ethnology, ethnomusicology, linguistics, history, etc. as well as their recommendations and after reviewing over 200 ethnographical maps. The basic criteria to set the borders of Lithuanian ethnographical borders were as follows: regional distinction in culture of material and spiritual appearances.
The authors are sure that the map of Lithuania's ethnographic regions will help the people to better know the borders of cultural distinctions, what ethno cultural traditions should be cherished and which unique values should be preserved.

Conclusions
Cultural identity of Samogitians had a great impact on the development of the nation of Lithuania. An encouraging factor to prepare this publication was the respect towards the history of Samogitia and its cultural heritage, bearing a special historical value. This article is devoted to the significant event for the history of the whole Europe: a 600 year anniversary baptism Samogitia.
The maps thoroughly, vividly and informatively express the very essence of the fixed phenomenon or event which no other written document can do. One of the aims of the article is to encourage to more widely use maps as historical documents and to compare them with written information; which allows to assess an event or a historical period more clearly. The presented maps, in our opinion, fully reflect the peculiarities and variety of Samogitia.
We hope that the publication will encourage researchers to study the history of Samogitia using maps in more depth. This is what the authors of the publication as well as other mentioned authors have done. Our article provides helpful links for the readers interested in more detailed studies of specific maps.
Summarizing we can state that the above mentioned Samogitia and Lithuania maps by Lithuanian and foreign authors lack thorough historical analysis and attention to become scientific discussions, so the society of Lithuania is hardly aware of them. The historical problem of the Samogitia can be solved only by joined efforts of cartographers, linguists and historians. We hope that this work will become an additional step towards the problem solution.