BSED Major in Social Studies 2

Mapping in 11th Century

In the 11th century, mapping techniques were primarily influenced by religious, political, and practical needs, rather than the scientific approach used by ancient scholars like Eratosthenes. Here’s an overview of how maps were created and used during that time:

1. T-O Maps (Orbis Terrarum Maps)
The most common form of world maps in medieval Europe was the "T-O" map. These maps were not meant to be scientifically accurate but were symbolic representations of the world from a Christian worldview.

The "T" shape represented the division of the known world into three continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa, with Jerusalem often placed at the center.
The map was enclosed in an "O," representing the encircling ocean, reflecting a theological perspective on the world’s geography rather than a literal or navigational one.

2. Portolan Charts
These maps were highly practical and used by sailors for navigation. Portolan charts appeared in the late 13th century but were likely influenced by earlier techniques.
These maps focused on coastal features and ports, with lines radiating from compass points to show directions for sailing.
Unlike the T-O maps, portolan charts were based on real-world observation and empirical knowledge, making them much more accurate for sea travel.

3. Islamic Cartography
In the Islamic world, cartography in the 11th century was far more advanced. Influenced by scholars like Al-Idrisi, who worked in the 12th century, maps were created based on the geographical knowledge collected from ancient Greek sources and supplemented by explorers and traders.

These maps were relatively accurate, showing a more detailed understanding of the Earth’s geography compared to European counterparts.
Islamic scholars also developed world maps with improved geographic accuracy, showing parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, along with key cities, rivers, and mountains.

4. Ptolemaic Influence
Ancient Greek and Roman geographical works, particularly those by Ptolemy, had been preserved and passed on through Islamic scholars. Ptolemy’s work, "Geographia," contained coordinates and techniques for map-making, but it wasn’t widely reintroduced into Europe until the 12th century.

These maps, based on mathematical calculations and knowledge of longitude and latitude, influenced later European cartography but were not as widely used in the 11th century.

5. Mappa Mundi
Another form of medieval European maps, mappa mundi, combined religious, political, and geographic information. The most famous example is the Hereford Mappa Mundi (c. 1300), which displays a mix of geography, mythology, and Biblical events.
These maps were not used for navigation but served as educational tools, showing how medieval Europeans viewed the world through religious and historical lenses.

6. Manuscript Maps
Many maps of the 11th century were created as part of illuminated manuscripts, used in religious and educational contexts. These maps were often more symbolic and artistic than practical, and their accuracy was secondary to their role in conveying religious or cultural ideas.

Key Characteristics of 11th Century Mapping:

Symbolic: Maps were more about representing theological or cultural ideas than actual geography.

Religious Focus: Christian maps centered on Biblical locations, like Jerusalem, often placing them in the middle of the world.

Limited Geographic Knowledge: Maps were often based on ancient sources or hearsay, and exploration was limited. This meant large portions of the world, such as the Americas or sub-Saharan Africa, were absent or inaccurately depicted.

Empirical Knowledge for Navigation: In maritime cultures, such as those around the Mediterranean, more practical maps (like portolan charts) were used for sea navigation based on real-world observation.

In summary, 11th-century maps varied significantly in purpose and accuracy, ranging from religiously motivated symbolic maps to more practical navigational tools used by sailors.