The Ortelius atlas is sometimes referred to as the summary of sixteenth-century cartography. Written by Abraham Ortelius, strongly encouraged by Gillis Hooftman and originally printed on in Antwerp, it consisted of a collection of uniform map sheets and supporting text bound to form a book for which copper printing plates were specifically engraved. Theatrum Orbis Terrarum therefore marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of cartography.Theatrum Orbis Terrarum ( Latin:, 'Theatre of the Orb of the World') is considered to be the first true modern atlas. By applying both new academic standards alongside traditional illustrations of sea monsters, Ortelius embraced both sides of map making. The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum atlas was published during a time when cartographers started to prioritize science and accuracy over aesthetics. However, Ortelius was one of the final cartographers to embrace the inclusion of them in his maps. The tradition was perhaps influenced by Greco-Roman illustrations of mythological beasts. Some historians believe that they served as illustrated records of sea creature myths, while others think that they were included in maps to warn sailors of the possible dangers lurking beneath the waves. Many cartographers of the era drew from encyclopedias, bestiaries, and biblical references, so the style of these sea creatures varied from recognizable mammals to surreal beasts. At the time, maps that were decorated with these fantasy animals sold a lot better than those without, but they may also have been included for practical reasons.

The Typus Orbis Terrarum map-and many other maps in Ortelius' atlas-feature mythical sea monsters patrolling the world’s oceans. “Islandia” map by Abraham Ortelius, 1590 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) It is unsure whether this is an island or part of the Southern Continent.” The map also illustrates Papua New Guinea almost attached to the Southland, with Latin text explaining, “New Guinea, recently discovered. While Ortelius' map pre-dates the official discovery of Australia in 1606, the map features an enormous mass at the base, identified as Terra Australis Nondum Cognita (Southern Land Not Known), revealing that explorers were already hypothesizing about its existence, but hadn’t quite proved it yet. For example, the coasts of South East Asia and the Indian Archipelago came as a result of the voyages by the Portuguese, and knowledge about the Asian inland was based on travel reports by Marco Polo from the 13th century. Many features on the map were also based on new information coming from explorers. It’s also interesting to note that the Mississippi River does not appear on the map, and there is no trace of the Great Lakes.

The eastern seaboard juts out eastward, illustrating the inaccurate measurements of longitudes at the time. At the time the map was made, much of North America was yet to be explored, so naturally, large parts of the geography are merely speculative. Ortelius designed the map according to previous world maps from other cartographers, but he also added new information based on his own guesses and estimates. Perhaps one of the most iconic maps ever made, it covers the entire world from pole to pole, revealing the shape and size of continents based on the knowledge of the time. 50 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain)Īlthough the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum atlas didn’t contain many of Ortelius’ maps, it did feature his most famous- Typus Orbis Terrarum (1570). It is part of Ortelius's Atlas “Teatrum Orbis Terarum,” Antwerp, 1570, map no. The very first maps Ortelius produced were large wall maps of the world, Egypt, the Holy Land, Asia, Spain, and the Roman Empire-and from then on, his was hooked!Īn engraved map and coloured by hand. Ortelius began his career as a map colorist for Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp in 1547, and then became a map designer at the Plantin company in 1587.

During one trip to Poitiers, France, Ortelius met cartographer Gerard Mercator, who inspired him to start producing maps himself. Ortelius was fascinated by new discoveries and travel, so he began collecting books, prints, paintings, wall maps, and coins from all over Europe. The 16th century was a time of exploration, revolutionary inventions, and a new view of the world. During this time, there was a revival in the study of classical antiquity, history, Greek, and philosophy across Western Europe. Ortelius was born in Antwerp, Belgium on April 4, 1527, during the height of the humanist era. He is known as the inventor of the atlas-a book comprising multiple maps in one format and style. Portrait of Abraham Ortelius in his study by Constant Aimé Marie Cap (Photo: Wikimedia Commons Public Domain)Ībraham Ortelius is a key figure in the history of cartography.

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