Discovering the Oldest Maps in History

When do the oldest maps date back to?

The oldest known maps date back to around 2300 B.C.E. from ancient Babylonia.

The Deep History of Map-making

Map-making has been a crucial part of human history, dating back thousands of years. The oldest maps that we have discovered date from the period around 2300 B.C.E. One of the most well-known examples is a clay tablet from ancient Babylonia, which is located in modern-day Iraq. The map represents the world from a Babylonian perspective, with Babylon at the center. Map-making in ancient times served essential functions, such as navigation, trade, and strategic planning. These ancient maps were not as detailed or accurate as modern maps, but they still played a vital role in helping ancient civilizations understand and navigate the world around them. Ancient maps are a testament to the ingenuity and curiosity of ancient civilizations. They show how early humans were able to observe and interpret their surroundings, leading to the development of map-making as a tool for exploration and understanding. Understanding the earliest maps provides valuable insights into the ways in which ancient societies perceived the world and their place within it. It also highlights the universal human desire to explore and map the unknown, a desire that continues to drive advancements in cartography and geography to this day.
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