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World Map by Rumold Mercator (1512-1594)
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World Map by Rumold Mercator (1512-1594)
Orbis Terrae Compendiosa Descriptio. World map, 1587. Detail of America. By Rumold Mercator (1545-1599)
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Media ID 14330266
© Thaliastock / Mary Evans
1587 Atlantic Cartographic Cartography Compendiosa Continent Continents Descriptio Flanders Geography Latin Letters Mercator Netherlands Oceania Orbis Pacific Terrae Planisphere
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This detail from the World Map, Orbis Terrae Compendiosa Descriptio, created by the renowned Flemish cartographer Rumold Mercator in 1587, offers a glimpse into the geographic knowledge of the late 16th century. Mercator, a prominent figure in the Age of Discoveries, produced this intricately detailed planisphere during the height of the Netherlands' cartographic golden age. The map showcases the known continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania, with the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans separating them. Mercator's map is noteworthy for its accurate representation of the coastlines of Europe and Africa, as well as the expanding knowledge of the New World, which is depicted with a more realistic shape than earlier maps. The map's title, Orbis Terrae Compendiosa Descriptio, translates to "Comprehensive Description of the Whole World," reflecting the growing European curiosity and ambition to explore and chart the vast expanses of the globe. Mercator's map is also significant for its use of the Mercator projection, a cylindrical map projection that preserves angles and shapes along meridians, making it ideal for navigational purposes. This stunning detail of the map highlights the Americas, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The map's Latin labels reveal the names of various countries, rivers, and regions, providing a fascinating glimpse into the geographic knowledge of the time. This detail from Rumold Mercator's World Map offers a captivating window into the geographic exploration and discovery of the late 16th century.
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