Totius Graeciae Descriptio

Nikolaos Sopnianos, Totius Graeciae Descriptio

Totius Graeciae Descriptio is a historical map of Greece created by the renowned cartographer Abraham Ortelius in the 16th century. This map is part of Ortelius's famous atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which is considered one of the first modern atlases.

Background

Abraham Ortelius was a Flemish cartographer and geographer, born in Antwerp in 1527. He is best known for his work on the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which was first published in 1570. The atlas included a collection of maps that provided a comprehensive view of the world as it was known at the time.

Description

The Totius Graeciae Descriptio map provides a detailed depiction of Greece and its surrounding regions. It includes various geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and islands. The map is notable for its accuracy and detail, reflecting the advanced cartographic techniques of the period.

Significance

The map is significant for several reasons:

• It represents one of the earliest detailed maps of Greece.
• It showcases the cartographic skills of Abraham Ortelius.
• It provides historical insights into the geographical understanding of Greece during the 16th century.

Legacy

The Totius Graeciae Descriptio map has been preserved in various collections and is studied by historians and cartographers for its historical and geographical value. It remains an important artifact in the history of cartography.

See also

• Abraham Ortelius
• Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
• History of cartography
• Maps of Greece