Comments on: Mappa Mundi

By: John P.

John P. — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:56:37 +0000

I liked the last line and thought both approrpiate and funny.

A few years ago historians (Italian?) discovered a map done at the beginning of the fifth century, just before the fall of Rome, that detailed complexe networks of roads that extended all the way to India. The Romans were probably far more familiar with Iddia ( and perhaps even China) than anyone had ever thought.

By: Timothy

Timothy — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:15:44 +0000

For a fascinating and intricately argued study of two millenia of map-making have a look at Alessandro Scafi’s Mapping Paradise
A History of Heaven on Earth.

By: So Much For Subtlety

So Much For Subtlety — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:06:32 +0000

Actually I liked the last line

By: Venichka

Venichka — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:01:59 +0000

This was a nice article.

Until the last line, which is just bloody silly. Epic fail.

By: Strangeways

Strangeways — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:28:27 +0000

And, as with all old maps, “Palestine” was depicted spanning BOTH banks of the River Jordan.

By: Short order cook

Short order cook — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:28:08 +0000

I’ve not seen the Mappa Mundi somehow (maybe I get too entranced by the cattle market) but I love the map corridor in the Vatican, and even more the old maps of the new world in Florence. To think some people prefer to look at those boring renaissance paintings!

By: shraddha

shraddha — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:06:24 +0000

That is one beautiful picture!
Interesting map…so amazing considering today’s scenario.