May 25 – 31 : Map Reading Week – from Anaximander to Google Maps

On National Map Reading Week (by Ordnance Survey) we remember Anaximander (c. 610 – c. 546 BC), who made the first known map of the world. Anaximander, a Greek philosopher and geographer, is credited with creating the first known map of the world. His map was created in the 6th century BC and was based on his observations of the world around him. The map was made of a flat disk, with the Earth at the center and the oceans surrounding it. Anaximander’s map was the first to depict the entire inhabited world known to the ancient Greeks, including the ocean(s) as they were known at the time. This was a significant accomplishment that would form the basis of maps used by later geographers and historians.

Anaximander’s map was not the only one of its kind. Other ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Indians, also created maps of local terrain. However, Anaximander’s map was the first to depict the entire world as it was known at the time.

After Anaximander, maps continued to evolve. The philosopher Pythagoras theorized that the Earth was round in the 6th century BC . By 200 BC, the scholar Eratosthenes had calculated the Earth’s circumference using the angles of shadows cast simultaneously in two different cities . Claudius Ptolemy, an astronomer and astrologer, made the first great attempt to make mapping realistic in the second century AD . He created a world map that was widely used for over a thousand years .

Maps were initially created to help people navigate and explore the world around them. However, as societies became more complex, maps began to be used for other purposes such as taxation, military strategy, and political administration. During the Age of Exploration, maps became increasingly important for navigation and trade. The first modern atlas was created by Abraham Ortelius in 1570.

In the 19th century, the invention of lithography made it possible to mass-produce maps. This led to the creation of detailed maps of entire countries and regions. In the 20th century, aerial photography and satellite imagery revolutionized mapmaking. Modern methods of transportation, the use of surveillance aircraft, and more recently the availability of satellite imagery have made documentation of many areas possible that were previously inaccessible.

Today, maps are used for a wide variety of purposes, from navigation to scientific research. They are used to help people find their way around cities, to plan transportation routes, and to study the environment. They are also used to help scientists study the Earth’s climate, geology, and other natural phenomena.

In conclusion, Anaximander’s map was the first known map of the world and was a significant accomplishment that would form the basis of maps used by later geographers and historians. Maps have continued to evolve over the centuries, and today they are used for a wide variety of purposes. From the earliest cave paintings to the latest satellite imagery, maps have helped people navigate and explore the world around them.

We have a book in our shop if you want to learn more about Greek Pioneers or to improve your map reading skills go here. The video below is more about Anaximander.