Absolutely wonderful. I don't think is is possible to understand any history without some kind of map or cosmology from the time. This one post has clarified many historical misconceptions on my part that I am too embarrassed to reveal.
Truly remarkable maps. Those map makers thought they understood the material/Cartesian reality, just as many of us do today. I wonder what will future maps look like....
It's astounding how this quickly a relatively accurate atlas came into being in a time of great explorations and discoveries. I'm also very fond of the map of the 'known' world from 1493 in Hartmann Schedel's 'Nuremberg Chronicle' (aka Chronicle of the World 1493), which is based on a map published in 1482.
Love these old maps! The ability to make such accurate maps for the times in unbelievable. I'm fascinated that he redrew them all, and was able to add a single style to compile them into a single atlas.
Thank you. A wonderful exposition. I guess you know of the Agile Rabbit Book of Historical and Curious Maps - an excellent collection of cartographic ephemera.
Absolutely splendid! Will share this post with my fellow homeschoolers this morning - few things more fascinating for geography study than feasting the eyes on ancient maps :)
Yes he did, it was common practice for cartographers to draw from the works of other mapmakers — if you thought they were accurate it made sense to just copy them! Haha yes, a surprising amount of camels on that one!
Great piece!
It's an exraordinary achiement, but our favourite map maker remains Copernicus
Loved this fascinating deep dive into ancient mapmaking.
Awesome piece!
Absolutely wonderful. I don't think is is possible to understand any history without some kind of map or cosmology from the time. This one post has clarified many historical misconceptions on my part that I am too embarrassed to reveal.
Truly remarkable maps. Those map makers thought they understood the material/Cartesian reality, just as many of us do today. I wonder what will future maps look like....
It's astounding how this quickly a relatively accurate atlas came into being in a time of great explorations and discoveries. I'm also very fond of the map of the 'known' world from 1493 in Hartmann Schedel's 'Nuremberg Chronicle' (aka Chronicle of the World 1493), which is based on a map published in 1482.
Excellent post!
(Unfortunately, can't find a reprint.)
Feels like something Taschen should make doesn’t it
Yes! Although, if they do make it I hope they won't make it as one of the luxury versions that cost €5k-€7k.
Fascinating piece. Is there a place online where it's possible to see all the maps in the atlas?
The Library of Congress has two editions you can read online for free (and download the pdf). Here’s the French edition of 1587:
https://www.loc.gov/item/2021666800/
Perfect.....thank you
You've done an excellent job of sharing your sense of wonder here, Mikey. This is fantastic!
How wonderful. I can see you there, Mikey !
Love these old maps! The ability to make such accurate maps for the times in unbelievable. I'm fascinated that he redrew them all, and was able to add a single style to compile them into a single atlas.
Such a beautiful style too
Completely agree, I would love a copy of this atlas!
Thank you. A wonderful exposition. I guess you know of the Agile Rabbit Book of Historical and Curious Maps - an excellent collection of cartographic ephemera.
I do indeed. It’s actually slightly embarrassing how many books about maps I own. It’s best not to think about it.
Perhaps you can gift them to the Geographical Society Library for an exhibition
Absolutely splendid! Will share this post with my fellow homeschoolers this morning - few things more fascinating for geography study than feasting the eyes on ancient maps :)
I could not agree more — though be warned: too much exposure to old maps leads to a rare and untreatable condition called cartophilia
One of my sons suffered from this rare condition and treated it with hours of drawing mountainous fantasy maps :)
Perhaps that’s what I need to do
That would make a great post!
Great article! So he redrew the maps himself, not just gathered them from various other Cartographers?
It is amazing how close these are to the real deal in most cases. I particularly enjoy the map of Western Tartaria, it’s beautiful.
Yes he did, it was common practice for cartographers to draw from the works of other mapmakers — if you thought they were accurate it made sense to just copy them! Haha yes, a surprising amount of camels on that one!
A serious amount of Camels!
My favourite atlas ever. For real 😍
I know there is not that many people who have a "favourite atlas", but coming from a map-freak like me it is something to say.
We share a favourite atlas! I haven’t counted, but I suspect I may have written more about Ortelius’ maps than any other
Suprisingly, I haven't. I have had it on my backlog forever, and eventually I will get there.
Magnificent opus !