Orthellius family, Ortelius family, noted family of cartographers and prominent merchants originally from Augsburg but settling in the sixteenth century in Antwerp, Belgium.
Family alliances led to Hondius' introduction to the leading scientists and geographers of the day and laid the groundwork for the remainder of his illustrious career.
The founder of the family was Willem Janszoon Blaeu.
Willem was born in Alkmaar, Holland in 1571 and died in Amsterdam in 1638.