The Hereford Mappa Mundi is drawn as a T/O map. On a flat disc, the world is divided into 3 general areas: Asia (at the top or East), Europe (mislabled on the bottom left) and Africa (mislabled) on the bottom right). This style of map is generally found in manuscripts, but larger versions were made. ( Ebstorf Map).
To a 21st century viewer, the map appears to be a jumble of inaccurate geography, history and myth. But in Christian Europe, it is a guide to other places. Here, in this 1300 map, Jerusalem is the center of the world. Over 500 other cities and towns are shown plus 1000 more drawings depicting biblical & historical knowledge.
The Hereford Mappa Mundi is quite different from the working sailor’s maps of the Mediterranean of the time. The Portolan Charts accurately described the shores and towns around the coast with wind directions. Some later versions of these charts were highly decorated and given as influential gifts.
However, when the Hereford map was created, systematic voyaging by the Europeans around Africa had not started and accurate knowledge of people and geography was sparse. It would be well over 100 years later before well known explorers would sail west. (The Vikings don’t seem to have mentioned L’Anse aux Meadows to the rest of Europe)…
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