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Map America
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Map America
Munster has got the general picture reasonably right, including Japan (Zipangri) but the Hesperides surprisingly are in mid- Atlantic and Canada (Francisca) skewed. Date: 1553
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Media ID 14113531
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1553 Atlantic Hesperides Including Maps Munster Surprisingly Francisca
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing map print, titled "America," dates back to 1553 and was created by the renowned cartographer, Sebastian Munster. While Munster's map generally captures the outline of the American continents with a reasonable degree of accuracy, there are some notable discrepancies that reveal the exploratory nature of the era. One of the most striking features of this map is the placement of Japan, labeled as "Zipangri," which is located more towards the eastern coast of North America, rather than its actual position in the Pacific Ocean. This misplacement was a common error in maps of the time, as European cartographers relied on incomplete and often inaccurate information about the world. Another intriguing anomaly on this map is the location of the Hesperides, which are depicted in the mid-Atlantic, near present-day Canada, labeled as "Francisca." The Hesperides were mythological gardens of immortality, and their placement on this map is surprising, as they are typically associated with the western Mediterranean. It is believed that Munster may have confused the Hesperides with the lands of the "Isle of California," which were also believed to be rich in gold and other resources. Despite these errors, Munster's "America" map remains an important historical artifact that offers a fascinating glimpse into the cartographic knowledge of the time. It serves as a reminder of the exploratory spirit of the 16th century and the ongoing quest to understand the world around us. This map print is available for research and educational purposes only, and is not intended for commercial use.
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