Ancient Greece Map Description

The image showcases a map titled “Peregrinationis Divi Pavli Typvs Corographicvs” by the renowned cartographer Abraham Ortelius, offering a detailed regional view of the journeys undertaken by St. Paul across the Mediterranean. Published in the year 1578, this historical cartographic representation meticulously details the geographical landscape relevant to St. Paul’s missionary work, encompassing significant regions such as Italy, Greece, the area now known as Turkey, and the northern coast of Africa.

Beyond its geographical accuracy for the period, the map is embellished with artistic elements characteristic of the era, including detailed illustrations of various ships navigating the seas and depictions of fantastical sea creatures inhabiting the waters. The primary language of the map’s text is Latin, the scholarly lingua franca of the time.

Furthermore, at the bottom of the map, a passage of text in Latin is included, identified as a biblical quote from the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically verses 6 through 9 of chapter 5. This quote discusses the Christian concept of being either at home in the body and away from the Lord, or away from the body and at home with the Lord, adding a theological dimension to the map’s purpose and context.

Ancient Greece Map Description

The image showcases a map titled “Peregrinationis Divi Pavli Typvs Corographicvs” by the renowned cartographer Abraham Ortelius, offering a detailed regional view of the journeys undertaken by St. Paul across the Mediterranean. Published in the year 1578, this historical cartographic representation meticulously details the geographical landscape relevant to St. Paul’s missionary work, encompassing significant regions such as Italy, Greece, the area now known as Turkey, and the northern coast of Africa.

Beyond its geographical accuracy for the period, the map is embellished with artistic elements characteristic of the era, including detailed illustrations of various ships navigating the seas and depictions of fantastical sea creatures inhabiting the waters. The primary language of the map’s text is Latin, the scholarly lingua franca of the time.

Furthermore, at the bottom of the map, a passage of text in Latin is included, identified as a biblical quote from the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically verses 6 through 9 of chapter 5. This quote discusses the Christian concept of being either at home in the body and away from the Lord, or away from the body and at home with the Lord, adding a theological dimension to the map’s purpose and context.

Ancient Greece Map Description

The map depicted, titled “Macedonia Alexandri Magni Patria,” which translates to “Macedonia, Fatherland of Alexander the Great,” offers a historical cartographic view of the region of Macedonia during the significant period of Alexander the Great’s reign. The map is attributed to Jan Jansson, based on its publication year of 1654, and the engraving is credited to Jodocus Hondius Jr. Notably, the text “Autore I Saurenbergio” suggests that I. Saurenberg was the original author or compiler of the geographical information presented.

Unconventionally oriented with west at the top, the map provides a detailed representation of the Macedonian landscape, including its terrain, the courses of its rivers, the locations of settlements, and the divisions of the region into various administrative or geographical areas.

Adding to its visual interest and reflecting the artistic conventions of the 17th century, the map incorporates several decorative elements. These include depictions of cherubs, an ornamental coat of arms, and an allegorical scene situated in the lower right corner, all contributing to the map’s aesthetic and historical context.

The map’s very title underscores its historical significance, directly linking the depicted region to Alexander the Great, the renowned Macedonian king and military leader whose conquests shaped a vast empire in the ancient world. This cartographic work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the geography of Macedonia during a pivotal era of ancient history.