World Map (194 BCE)
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Author: emlemke
World Map (194 BCE)
This map represents the reconstructed worldview of Eratosthenes of Cyrene (c. 276–194 BCE), the Greek mathematician, geographer, and head librarian of the Library of Alexandria. The map is a modern reproduction (engraved by Bunbury) based on ancient descriptions and represents one of the earliest attempts to map the known world using latitude and longitude. It depicts three continents—Europe, Asia, and Libya (Africa)—and features notable ancient regions and water bodies such as the Oceanus, the Erythraean Sea, and Taprobane (Sri Lanka).
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Source:
Reconstruction based on writings of Eratosthenes, engraved and printed by Edward Herbert Bunbury, 19th century. Published by John Murray, London.
Resolution:
Hand-drawn engraved reproduction, non-metric. Based on historical text interpretations and ancient geographical theory rather than direct measurements.
Suggested Use:
Best suited for historical geography, classical studies, and educational comparisons of ancient vs. modern cartography. Demonstrates early mathematical geography including the use of a grid system and climate zones.
References
Bunbury, E.H. 1883. A History of Ancient Geography Among the Greeks and Romans. London: John Murray.
Freeman, K. 1949. The Pre-Socratic Philosophers. Harvard University Press.
Dueck, D. 2012. Geography in Classical Antiquity. Cambridge University Press.