Mappa Mundi - the worst world map?

Summary

In this episode of *Map Men*, the hosts delve into the fascinating world of the 13th-century Hereford Mappa Mundi, a unique medieval map that offers a Christian worldview rather than accurate geographical representation. With East at the top and an array of mythical creatures and religious landmarks, this map is far from conventional. The hosts humorously discuss its inaccuracies, its spiritual purpose, and how it represents the journey of creation, afterlife, and the apocalypse. Despite its whimsical nature, the Mappa Mundi reveals how maps once served as cultural and religious tools, not just navigational aids.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Hereford Mappa Mundi is a 13th-century map that doesn’t resemble the actual world, as it has East at the top and no oceans.
• 😀 The term 'orientated' refers to placing East at the top of a map, which is also the origin of the word 'Orient'.
• 😀 The Hereford Mappa Mundi features only three continents and shows locations like Noah's Ark in Armenia and the Garden of Eden in Asia.
• 😀 Despite its inaccuracy, the Hereford Mappa Mundi serves as a depiction of global Christian hegemony and the journey of the soul.
• 😀 The map is intended to illustrate the Christian message, including the Resurrection of Christ and the End of the World.
• 😀 The Hereford Mappa Mundi is a guide to understanding heaven, focusing on religious and mythological aspects rather than geography.
• 😀 Unlike modern maps, the Hereford Mappa Mundi is not meant to represent geographical space accurately.
• 😀 Ptolemy’s map, created around 100 AD, was more advanced in its attempt to represent the known world despite limited scientific knowledge.
• 😀 The Hereford Mappa Mundi contains mythological references, such as the pillars of Hercules, unicorns, and the Minotaur's labyrinth.
• 😀 Maps, including the Hereford Mappa Mundi, are ultimately representations of a specific worldview rather than exact geographical depictions.

Q & A

What is the Hereford Mappa Mundi, and where is it located?

The Hereford Mappa Mundi is a 13th-century medieval map that is currently on display at Hereford Cathedral in Hereford, England. It is a large, intricately detailed map that reflects the worldview of the time.

Why does the Hereford Mappa Mundi not look like the actual world?

The map is oriented with East at the top, which was common in medieval cartography. Even when rotated, it still doesn't resemble the modern geographical layout of the world. Its purpose wasn't to depict the world accurately but to represent a Christian worldview.

What is the meaning of 'orientated' in the context of the map?

'Orientated' refers to the tradition of placing the East at the top of maps. The term 'Orient' comes from this practice, which was common in medieval maps.

How many continents are shown on the Hereford Mappa Mundi?

The map only depicts three continents, as opposed to the modern understanding of seven continents. It doesn't include oceans either.

Where are Noah’s Ark and the Garden of Eden located on the Hereford Mappa Mundi?

On the Hereford Mappa Mundi, Noah's Ark is placed in Armenia, and the Garden of Eden is located in Asia. These placements reflect the map's focus on biblical geography rather than actual geographical accuracy.

What is the purpose of the Hereford Mappa Mundi?

The map serves to depict a global Christian hegemony, illustrating themes like creation, the afterlife, the Resurrection of Christ, and the end of the world. It is essentially a guide for understanding Christian teachings and beliefs.

How does the Hereford Mappa Mundi differ from modern maps?

Unlike modern maps that focus on accurate geographical representation, the Hereford Mappa Mundi prioritizes conveying religious and philosophical concepts, often at the expense of geographical accuracy.

Who created a map that was more scientifically advanced before the Hereford Mappa Mundi?

A Greek scholar named Ptolemy created a more scientifically advanced map around 100 AD. His map of the known world was based on a better understanding of geography and was created using more sophisticated tools.

What does the reference to the Tube map mean in the script?

The Tube map reference highlights how maps are designed to serve specific purposes. Just like the Tube map is great for navigating the London Underground but not for real-world geography, the Hereford Mappa Mundi was designed to serve a religious purpose rather than accurately represent the world.

What mythological elements are included in the Hereford Mappa Mundi?

The map includes mythological elements like the pillars of Hercules, unicorns, and the Minotaur’s labyrinth. These references reflect the blend of biblical, historical, and mythical ideas that were prevalent in medieval European thought.