The Oldest Maps in History: From the Babylonian Imago Mundi to Al-Idrisi's Atlas

🗺️The Babylonian Imago Mundi is an ancient clay tablet inscribed with a schematic map, dating back to the 9th century BC.

🌍Central to the Babylonian map is the Euphrates River, flowing from north to south. Babylon, situated in the northern half, is prominently featured.

🌌The Babylonian map also depicts a circular bitter river or ocean, surrounded by mythical islands, representing the connection between the earth and the heavens.

🌐Al-Idrisi's Atlas, the Tabula Rogeriana, comprised 70 sectional maps and featured a 300 lb silver disc engraved with a composite world map.

🌍Al-Idrisi calculated the Earth's circumference to be approximately 37,000 km, with an error of less than 10%.

What is the significance of the Babylonian Imago Mundi?

—The Babylonian Imago Mundi is the oldest known representation of the world. It provides insights into how the Babylonians viewed their world and the connection between the Earth and the heavens.

Who commissioned the Tabula Rogeriana?

—The Tabula Rogeriana, an atlas created by Al-Idrisi, was commissioned by King Roger II of Normandy in 1138.

What is unique about Al-Idrisi's atlas?

—Al-Idrisi's atlas, the Tabula Rogeriana, introduced a coordinate system, featured 70 sectional maps, and included commentary on physical, cultural, political, and socioeconomic aspects of each region.

How accurate were Al-Idrisi's maps?

—While Al-Idrisi's maps may not meet modern accuracy standards, they maintained a consistent scale and provided largely accurate information based on the knowledge available at the time.

Are there any existing copies of Al-Idrisi's atlas?

—There are 10 remaining copies of Al-Idrisi's atlas, with the most complete manuscript housed in Istanbul.

00:00The Babylonian map known as Imago Mundi dates back to the 9th century BC and features a schematic representation of the world.

02:26Al-Idrisi's Tabula Rogeriana, commissioned by King Roger II of Normandy, comprised 70 sectional maps and a silver disc engraved with a composite world map.

04:30Al-Idrisi calculated the Earth's circumference to be approximately 37,000 km, with an error of less than 10%.

06:39Al-Idrisi's atlas introduced a coordinate system, showcased the world's various climatic zones, and provided commentary on physical, cultural, political, and socioeconomic aspects of each region.

08:12Al-Idrisi's atlas drew inspiration from the Golden Age of Islam and incorporated scientific rigor and anthropological details into his maps.