Special Features

Missile Defense

Antique Maps

Antiquarian Maps

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ANTIQUARIAN MAPS: IN HONOR OF EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY

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Where It All Began

The earliest maps most likely utilized natural and available media like clay and bark. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, manuscript maps--called Portolans--were produced on vellum. They consisted of sailing directions and instructions, especially for the Mediterranean areas and adjacent coastlines.

With the advent of Gutenberg's printing press in the 15th century, maps and other written documents could be made in greater quantities to satisfy the growing interest in science and geography. First woodblocks and then copper plates were used as vehicles, and maps were printed in black and white. Color was later added for emphasis and beauty.

The first "Modern Atlas" can be traced to Abraham Ortelius as of 1570. Yet, no discussion of early cartography is complete without reference to the prior Liber chronicarum, published in 1493. Edited by German humanist and historian Hartmann Schedel, this tome represented an attempt to summarize the knowledge of science and history of the time. Schedel's text also included a number of exquisite woodcuts of maps, biblical and mythological scenes, and city views--many of which survive to this day.

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