Mapping the Ancient World: How Did They Do It?

🗺Ancient cartographers compiled data from traveler's accounts, regional maps, and other sources to create world maps.

⭐️Navigators used star charts and tools like astrolabes to determine latitude based on celestial observations.

🌍Eratosthenes pioneered the use of parallels and meridians to map out the known world.

🧮Ptolemy's Geographia provided a comprehensive compilation of geographic knowledge at the time.

🌐Maps in ancient times were often symbolic, focusing on general shapes and directions rather than precise details.

How did ancient civilizations determine latitude?

—Ancient civilizations determined latitude by observing the position of celestial bodies, such as the North Star or the angle of the sun.

Who were some influential ancient cartographers?

—Eratosthenes and Ptolemy were influential ancient cartographers known for their contributions to mapping the world.

What tools did ancient navigators use?

—Ancient navigators used tools like astrolabes, sextants, and star charts to aid in navigation and determine their latitude.

How were ancient maps different from modern maps?

—Ancient maps were often more symbolic and focused on general shapes and directions, while modern maps strive for precise details and accuracy.

What sources did ancient cartographers use to gather data?

—Ancient cartographers relied on traveler's accounts, regional maps, literature, and other sources to gather information for their maps.

00:00Ptolemy's map from The Geography shows the known world in ancient times, although not perfect, it demonstrates an understanding of coastlines.

01:15Ancient Greeks and Romans used various methods to map the world and shape coastlines, relying on data compilation and surveying techniques.

02:36Ancient cartographers collected information from traveler's accounts, regional maps, literature, and other sources to create their maps.

03:36Eratosthenes introduced the use of parallels and meridians, creating a grid system to map out the known world more accurately.

04:35Ptolemy's Geographia was a comprehensive compilation of geographic knowledge, providing detailed maps based on available data.

05:34Ancient navigators used star charts, astrolabes, and other tools to determine latitude based on celestial observations.

06:59Determining longitude was more challenging, but early methods involved tracking solar eclipses and timekeeping with accurate clocks.

09:20The Age of Discovery introduced new tools like refracting telescopes and pendulum clocks, enabling more accurate navigation and surveying.