EMUDA vulgo Embden Urbs Frisiae orientalis primaria. (Emden)

A decorative map showing a striking bird's-eye view plan of Emden by Braun and Hogenberg. CARTOUCHE: Emuda, in German Emden, capital of East Frisia.
COMMENTARY BY BRAUN: "In Emden, the capital of East Frisia, rich merchants live in very fine houses. The city has a broad and well-situated harbour, which in my opinion is unique in Holland. Frisia and the whole of the Netherlands, for the ships can anchor here right under the city walls.
They have also extended the harbour as far as the New Town, so that up to 400 ships can now find shelter here when the sea is rough."

This bird's-eye view from the southwest over the Dollart shows Emden, which developed from a trading settlement in the 7th/8th centuries into a city as late as late the 14th century. In 1494, it was granted staple rights, and in 1536 the harbour was extended. In the mid-16th century Emden's port was thought to have the most ships in Europe.
Its population then was about 5,000, rising to 15,000 by the end of the 16th century. The Ems flowed directly under the city walls, but its course was changed in the 17th century by the construction of a canal. Emden has canals within its city limits, a typical feature of Dutch towns, which also enabled the extension of the harbour.
Emden's first herring company was founded in 1553, and in 1595 Emden was created a Free Imperial City under the protection of Holland.

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Reference: Van der Krogt 4, 1230, State 3; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p.169.