Map & Territory
The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong
00:00
The History of the Vivaldi Brothers
In 1291, the brothers Vandino and Okolino Vivaldi left Genoa on board two galleys. After passing the Moroccan coast, just barely out to open sea, they disappeared never to be heard from again. In around 1385, a book entitled Libro de Conosomento de Tóros los Reños appeared in Spain. The author names them as part of the Kingdom of Prestor John, who also didn't exist. This is one of the most important events in the history of bad mapping.
Transcript
Play full episode
