Jerusalem dominated medieval world maps, particularly after the conclusion of the Crusades. It was considered both the spiritual and geographic center of the world. It wasn’t until the discoveries of the Renaissance that cartographers discarded the idea for good.
This map is a prominent example of medieval religious cartography, placing Jerusalem at the center and east at the top.
Lucas Brandis, Lubec, 1475
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This biblical map shoes Jerusalem at the center of the three known continents. A combination of both mythology and cartographic knowledge, this epitomizes Christian maps of the Middle Ages.
Heinrich Buenting, Magdeburg,1581
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