English: This is one of the earliest historical atlases showing the growth over hundreds of years of a major urban area, in this case Paris, France. Eight maps show the growth beginning in pre Roman times and ending in 1705. All the maps are at the same scale. From Wikipedia: "The chronological series of eight maps of Paris from Traité de la police ("Treatise on the Police") is among the earliest attempts to illustrate historical change with maps and shows the growth of Paris from Roman times up to 1705, the year of publication. By the 19th century, critics recognized that the maps were replete with historical inaccuracies...The four-volume Traité de la police by Nicolas de La Mare (1639–1723), a Paris magistrate (commissaire) who specialized in urban problems and services, is a pioneering work in the area of urban administration. The maps were included in the first volume to accompany a discussion of the historical basis of the plans. Each map is about 44 x 55 cm with a similar layout and scale (approximately 1 to 9,500).[ Goffart states that, although the authorship of the maps is not firmly established, "notwithstanding dissent", Antoine Coquart (1668–1707) likely designed and engraved the first seven maps, using information and materials provided by La Mare, while Nicolas de Fer was the engraver of the eighth, which was based on a contemporary city map. The maps proved popular and were frequently reproduced and sold. Goffart believes that in about 1715, de Fer copied the entire set of eight and published them under his own name, and is therefore sometimes credited as the sole author. By the 19th century critics recognized the many errors in the maps and sometimes described them as "fanciful" and "imaginary"." All the Relief shown in sketches. Date based on newest map date.