OLDMAPSTER - Oldest World Maps

The Mediterranean Sea has been significant for thousands of years. It connected different ancient Mediterranean civilizations and was a hub of trade, travel, and cultural exchange. Ancient Mediterranean map of this region give us a fascinating look into how people of the past viewed and understood their world. Over the centuries, people made maps of this crucial body of water, each one offering a unique window into the past. Let’s read about the top 5 ancient Mediterranean maps that provide a glimpse into the history and significance of this remarkable area. A Map of the Kingdoms after Ipsus: Ancient Mediterranean Map in 301 BC  After the death of the legendary Alexander the Great, his vast empire was divided up among his generals, known as the Diadochi. This intriguing map shows the kingdoms that emerged after the pivotal Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC, offering a glimpse into the complex power struggles that shaped the ancient Mediterranean world. It highlights the ...

South America’s rich history and geography have never been more captivating than with the help of vintage South American maps. These timeless maps of South America offer a glimpse into the past that reveals the evolution of the continent’s boundaries, the expansion of empires, and the changing perspectives of cartographers over the centuries. Exploring the history of South America is like opening a treasure chest. Each map is a piece of this puzzle, revealing secrets of the past. In this article, we’ll delve into South America’s top 5 vintage maps, each with its unique story and insights. Prepare to be transported back in time as we uncover the fascinating details hidden within these cartographic masterpieces of South American cities.  Exploration of South America in the Ortelius Map (1570) Abraham Ortelius, a Flemish cartographer, created one of the first modern atlases, “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum,” in 1570. This work included a detailed map of South America, reflecting the continent’s known features during ...

India, a land of different cultures, languages, and landscapes, has always captivated map enthusiasts. Maps of India provide a visual depiction of the country’s huge size, highlighting its rich history and geographic diversity. We understand India, known for its diverse and lively culture, beautiful scenery, and intricate history, requires reliable maps of India to discover and navigate its various attractions and destinations. In this post, we’ll look at the top five maps of India, emphasizing their distinctive qualities and historical relevance. Whether you’re looking for an Indian map, an Indian political map, or a thorough India map with states and capitals, let’s have a look. The Survey of India Map (1870) The Survey of India map, a remarkable achievement completed in 1870, is a pivotal milestone in cartographic history. Guided by Colonel George Everest, this comprehensive Indian map accurately depicted India’s geography during the British era. The map prominently displays British-administered provinces, which were the primary administrative units at the ...

Maps of France are more than just representations of geographical locations; they are historical documents that tell stories of exploration, scientific advancement, political changes, and cultural shifts. France, with its rich history, has produced some of the most remarkable maps that reflect its evolution over time. France’s rich history is beautifully illustrated through its maps. This article will take you through the top 5 historical maps of France, each significant in its own right, and provide interesting facts and context to bring France’s past to life.  De Louis XI France Map in 1483  The 1483 map by renowned French publisher Bouillet is a rare and valuable antique that shows both the craftsmanship and intellectual attitude of the time. This color-coded map shows French territory, the House of Burgundy’s holdings (Artois, Flanders, and Franche-Comté), and the English territories of Guernsey and Calais. Each region is uniquely colored and labeled to depict the varying political landscape and territories of local lords and ...

The Arctic, a vast and icy wilderness, has always fascinated explorers, scientists, and mapmakers. Over the centuries, creating maps of the Arctic regions has been a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. These maps not only helped early explorers navigate treacherous waters and uncharted lands but also provided valuable insights into the geography and climate of the northernmost parts of our planet. Let’s dive into the history of Arctic maps and discover how they evolved. The Skálholt Map by Gudbrandur in 1570  The Skálholt Map, created in the late 16th century, is one of the earliest attempts to map the Arctic regions. The Skálholt Map is a historical map dating back to 1570, created by the cartographer Gudbrandur Thorlaksson. This map is known for its depiction of Iceland and other regions, providing valuable insight into geography and cartography during that era. The map was drawn in 1570 and reflects the knowledge and imagination of the time. The Vikings, known for their exceptional ...

The history of cartography, or map-making, is a fascinating journey that tells us much about how people understood their world in the past. Medieval maps of England are particularly intriguing because they blend art, science, religion, and myth. These maps provide valuable insights into medieval society, culture, and beliefs. In this article, we will explore the art and science of medieval cartography in England, examining some notable maps of medieval English towns and the techniques used to create them. Let’s have a look at the medieval England timeline with ancient cartography.  People used animal skin, kind of like fancy leather, as their paper. They drew lines and symbols with ink made from things like soot (like what comes out of a chimney) or crushed berries. Some maps even have colorful decorations, making them look really cool! Back then, people didn’t have fancy tools to measure distances exactly. So, the sizes and distances on the maps weren’t always perfect. Instead, the ...

Maps are much more than just outlines of geography; they are windows into our past, showing how our understanding of the world has changed over time. In the case of South America, rare maps act as captivating historical documents, whispering tales of exploration, conquest, and the gradual piecing together of a continent shrouded in mystery for much of the Western world. They tell stories of exploration, conquest, trade, and the dreams of entire civilizations. South America, with its rich and diverse history, is a goldmine of these cartographic treasures, each one revealing a piece of the continent’s dynamic past.  In this article, we will explore rare and remarkable maps of South America, digging into the fascinating details and uncovering the stories they tell. From the earliest European views of the New World to detailed maps of the regions and countries of South America, these maps offer an intriguing look at the continent’s history. There are vintage maps too, which provide ...

Australia Through the Ages: Exploring the Evolution of Australian Maps If you’ve been delving into the history of Australian maps and want to know its evolution, your search can stop now. This blog provides exactly what you’re looking for. Maps have always been windows to the world, guiding explorers, shaping settlements, and reflecting our evolving understanding of the planet. Just like a single map can’t capture the ocean’s vastness, Australia’s story on maps unfolds through a fascinating journey. For thousands of years, Australian maps were a mystery. Early maps showed hints of a southern land based on guesses, not actual visits. Then, in the early 1600s, explorers accidentally bumped into Australia’s shores. They sketched out rough maps, sparking excitement about this unknown land and here comes the Australia map on the world. Together with some interesting stories, let’s take a tour of the historical Australia map timeline charting landmarks.  Exploration of Australian Maps through European Encounters  1. Flashbacks from Dieppe ...