History Extra podcast The invisible tracks that have shaped the world
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Nov 21, 2024 Sara Caputo, author of "Tracks on the Ocean" and lecturer at Cambridge University, explores the unseen maritime pathways that have influenced history. She discusses how mapping changes reflect shifts in power and exploration narratives. From the evolution of navigation techniques to the territorial claims of empires, Caputo reveals the stories behind historical voyages. She also highlights the environmental impacts of modern maritime routes and the transforming relationship between humanity and the ocean, showcasing how lines on maps tell profound tales.
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Early Travel and Spatial Understanding
- Tracks, lines representing movement, are not a natural way of imagining journeys.
- Ancient people used verbal descriptions, focusing on the world's structure.
The Rise of Tracks
- The need for tracks arose with maritime exploration, especially in vast oceans.
- This was influenced by East Asian mapping and the rise of astronomical navigation.
Evolution of Track Accuracy
- Magellan and Elcano's circumnavigation track was symbolic, not accurate, due to limited navigation.
- Cook's 18th-century tracks were more precise, reflecting his focus on charting.
