Join Dr Jerry Brotton as he explores the role cartography has played in history.
Maps spark curiosity combined with a sense of wonder. Armchair travelers have dreamed for years about voyages around the world or into space. Maps provide the excitement of new discoveries for some, while other may see economic or political goals.
Invited to join King Roger II of Sicily’s international court of scholars, mapmaker Muhammad al-Idrisi created the Kitab Rujar. He spent years interviewing travelers for minute details to produce the map. In the volatile days of the Crusades, could King Roger II have wanted a world map for more than scholarly knowledge?
In the late 1400’s the Portuguese had finally rounded the Cape of Good Hope and had a direct route to the Spice Islands which didn’t involve the Silk Road. Christopher Columbus, looking for an alternative route for economic reasons, was convinced from studying the 1489 Martellus World Map that Asia would be much closer if he sailed west. However, Hendricus Martellus was off on the size of the Earth and there were a couple of continents in the way…
Then, in a show of power, Spain and Portugal divided the world between them with the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas followed by the 1529 Treaty of Zaragoza. The division is clearly shown on the 1502 Cantino Planisphere, and convinced the Portuguese that the Moluccas were in Spanish territory. While both countries generally followed the treaties, the rest of the world paid little attention…
Are there hidden stories behind your favorite maps?
Enjoy this video? Take a look at more videos in the “Mapping the World” series!