Designatio Orbis Christiani

DateApproximately 1607

Names

Mercator, Gerhard, 1512-1594 (cartographer)

Hondius, Jodocus, 1563-1612 (contributor)

FormatMap

Notes

An interesting planispherical map showing the predominant world religions at the time (or the "Delineation of the Christian World"). Christian, Muslim and "idolatrous" or pagan religions shown with symbols of a cross, a crescent and an arrow respectively. Very early thematic map. Interesting geographical formations such as Korea shown as an elongated island, Tierra del Fuego connected to a southern land mass, the source of the River Nile is shown from two lakes in southern Africa. An curious note mentioning the indigenous population of America being ignorant of Christianity and worshiping the devil except where the Spaniards have established colonies.

Subject

Medium

Early maps

Dimensions17.5 cm x 21 cm (6 7/8 in. x 8 1/4 in.)