In the early 1500s, a small copper globe marked the coast of Southeast Asia with the phrase “Here be dragons.” Although these words were rarely used, the sentiment was common among medieval European mapmakers, who often adorned uncharted territories with illustrations of dragons and sea monsters. These mythical creatures symbolized the unknown, filling the blank spaces on maps with imaginative depictions.
For millennia, people worldwide created two main types of maps: functional maps and cosmographies. Functional maps detailed trade routes, settlements, topography, water sources, and coastlines, serving practical purposes. In contrast, cosmographies illustrated the Earth’s position in the cosmos, often featuring constellations, deities, and mythical locations.
From the Middle Ages to the mid-17th century, cartographers in Eurasia and North Africa produced numerous world maps that combined elements from both traditions. These maps, often commissioned by rulers and influential figures, aimed to depict the world’s geography, though not necessarily for navigation. Given the limited knowledge of the world at the time, these maps were speculative, with some hypotheses later proven incorrect.
In medieval Europe, the creation of mappae mundi marked a new trend. These maps leaned towards cosmographies, featuring mythical elements like the Garden of Eden and dragons. They typically depicted the world as a single landmass shaped like a “T” and encircled by an ocean.
Islamic mapmakers also contributed significantly to world mapping, emphasizing geographic accuracy over fantastical elements. One of the earliest and most precise maps was crafted by Ibn Hawqal, whose travels informed his work. In 1154, the King of Sicily commissioned Al-Idrisi, an Islamic mapmaker, to create the “Tabula Rogeriana,” a comprehensive guide to distant lands. This collection of maps, based on Idrisi’s travels and interviews with traders, accurately portrayed the world as a flattened sphere, albeit with some misconceptions about the continents’ arrangement.
In 1389, Chinese cartographers created the “Da Ming Hunyi Tu” on a large silk canvas. Although they had never visited Africa, they relied on traders’ accounts to depict the continent, resulting in a surprisingly accurate representation of sub-Saharan Africa.
Starting in the 15th century, European cartographers expanded their world maps as explorers ventured further afield. However, this expansion was not without errors. In 1507, German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller mapped the Americas as a thin strip of land along the east coast. Spanish cartographers, influenced by expeditions to the Baja Peninsula, mistakenly depicted California as an island for over a century.
Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, renowned for his world map, also created a speculative map of the North Pole in 1595. He imagined the North Pole featuring the “Rupes Nigra,” a giant magnetic rock surrounded by a whirlpool, explaining why compasses pointed north.
Despite European efforts to create a complete picture of the Earth, the allure of mythical beasts in uncharted territories persisted. As late as 1657, English scholar Peter Heylin grouped Australia with fictional places like Utopia and Fairyland. However, these so-called terra incognita were not truly unknown to the indigenous peoples who inhabited them. While dragons never roamed the Earth, diverse cultures thrived in these lands, many of which were later disrupted by those who mapped their territories.
Imagine you are a medieval cartographer. Draw a map of an imaginary land, including both functional elements like trade routes and settlements, and cosmographic elements such as mythical creatures and deities. Use your creativity to fill in the unknown areas with imaginative depictions.
Research different historical maps mentioned in the article, such as the mappae mundi, the “Tabula Rogeriana,” and the “Da Ming Hunyi Tu.” Create a presentation comparing these maps, focusing on their accuracy, the inclusion of mythical elements, and their purposes. Discuss how these maps reflect the knowledge and beliefs of their time.
Create an interactive timeline that traces the evolution of world maps from the early 1500s to the 17th century. Include key events, such as the creation of the “Tabula Rogeriana” and the mapping of the Americas by Martin Waldseemüller. Add images and descriptions to make the timeline engaging and informative.
Choose a mythical creature that was commonly depicted on medieval maps, such as dragons or sea monsters. Research the origins and cultural significance of this creature. Create a report or a poster that includes illustrations, stories, and how these creatures were used to represent the unknown on maps.
Participate in a hands-on workshop where you learn the basics of cartography. Use tools like compasses and rulers to create a simple map of your school or neighborhood. Discuss how modern mapmaking techniques differ from those used in the past and how accuracy has improved over time.
Maps – Maps are visual representations of an area that show the relationships between different elements, such as landforms, roads, and cities. – A map of the world can help you understand where different countries are located.
Geography – Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments. – Learning geography helps us understand how different cultures interact with their surroundings.
Cartography – Cartography is the art and science of making maps. – The cartography of ancient civilizations shows how they viewed their world and what was important to them.
Dragons – Dragons are mythical creatures often depicted in folklore and stories, sometimes associated with different cultures around the world. – In many European legends, dragons are portrayed as fierce guardians of treasure.
Europe – Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere, known for its diverse cultures and histories. – Europe is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum.
Asia – Asia is the largest continent on Earth, known for its vast landscapes, diverse cultures, and significant historical events. – Asia is where some of the world’s oldest civilizations, like China and India, began.
Islamic – Islamic refers to anything related to Islam, a major world religion that began in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula. – The Islamic Golden Age was a period of great cultural, economic, and scientific advancements.
Trade – Trade is the exchange of goods and services between people or countries. – The Silk Road was an important trade route that connected Asia and Europe, allowing for the exchange of silk, spices, and ideas.
Continents – Continents are large landmasses on Earth, typically classified into seven main areas: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and South America. – Understanding the continents helps us learn about the different cultures and environments around the world.
Exploration – Exploration is the act of traveling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it. – The Age of Exploration saw many explorers, like Christopher Columbus, sailing to new lands and discovering new cultures.
