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The Medieval Podcast

A Medieval Map of the World with Meredith Small

Feb 15, 2024
Meredith Small discusses Fra Mauro's accurate map-making attempt with monks, showcasing medieval views of the world, economics, and myths. The podcast examines the significance of maps in human evolution, political influences on map-making, and the unique features of the medieval map Mundo.
43:56

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Maps were crucial for human societies, reflecting spatial awareness and facilitating communication.
  • Fra Mauro's map showcased geographical accuracy and cultural diversity, influencing future explorations and mapmaking.

Deep dives

Understanding the Idea of Maps in Human Societies

Maps have been an essential part of human societies long before written languages and numbers, evidenced by ancient clay tablets and inscribed stones showing regional details like homes and hills. The fascination with maps stems from our evolutionary need for spatial awareness, impacting early human migration patterns and survival instincts. The act of mapping signifies a profound human ability to convey information symbolically through symbols and diagrams, aiding in navigation, orientation, and communication across cultures.

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