Four Surprising Reasons Why Medieval Maps Were So Weird
One map had over 3000 stories on it.
Medieval Maps were born from a fascinating blend of religious doctrine, cultural beliefs, and questionable geographical knowledge. These maps were more than tools of navigation; they represented the medieval worldview influenced by faith, history, and myth.
Rather than focusing on precise representation, mapmakers emphasized spiritual and symbolic meaning. Jerusalem, the religious epicenter, often occupied the center of these maps, while distant lands, populated by legendary creatures and unfamiliar territories, stretched toward the margins.
Far from the scientific accuracy we associate with cartography today, medieval maps offer a window into the minds of those who saw the world through a lens of devotion, wonder, and sometimes nefarious influence.
1- The Christian World
This central placement of Jerusalem reinforced the idea that the world revolved around the holy city, aligning with religious doctrine rather than geographical precision. East was often placed at the top of the map, symbolizing the direction of the Garden of Eden and the eventual return of Christ.
The influence of Christianity is evident in how the design of these maps. Biblical…
