16th century world map
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16th century world map
World map, published around 1565 in Venice, Italy, by Italian mapmaker Ferando Bertelli. The title of the map: Universale Descrittione di Tutta la Terra Conosciuta Fin Qui (universal description to the end of the known Earth). In the past few hundred years, the Americas (left) and the sea passage to India around Africa, and the islands of South-East Asia, had all been discovered, but these regions remained poorly mapped. This map shows a vast and unknown continent to the south, and Australia has not yet been discovered. Illustrations of ships and strange sea creatures are seen on the oceans, and strange animals are seen on the unknown lands. The winds are represented at upper right and left
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6349515
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, GEOGRAPHY AND MAP DIVISION/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1500s 16th Century Africa America Ancient Cartography Continent Continents Diagram Eurasia Illustrated Inaccurate Incomplete Italian New World Old World Renaissance World 1565 Library Of Congress Terra Australis
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 16th-century world map, published in Venice by Italian mapmaker Ferando Bertelli around 1565, offers a fascinating glimpse into the state of geographical knowledge during the Renaissance era. Titled "Universale Descrittione di Tutta la Terra Conosciuta Fin Qui" (universal description to the end of the known Earth), it reflects an incomplete understanding of our planet's vastness and diversity. While regions such as Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia are relatively well-documented on this ancient artifact, significant gaps remain. The Americas appear on the left side but lack detailed mapping, while a mysterious southern continent looms large below. Notably absent is Australia, which had not yet been discovered at that time. The intricately illustrated oceans feature depictions of ships sailing through uncharted waters alongside fantastical sea creatures. On land, peculiar animals roam unfamiliar territories waiting to be explored and understood. Intriguingly, wind patterns are represented in the upper corners—a testament to early attempts at comprehending atmospheric dynamics. As we gaze upon this historical treasure from Science Photo Library's collection at the Library of Congress, we are reminded that human curiosity has always driven us to explore and unravel the mysteries surrounding our world. This remarkable piece serves as a reminder of how far we have come in charting our planet's geography since those times when maps were filled with both accuracy and imagination.
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