12th-century_map_of_the_Indian_Ocean_by_Al-Idrisi.jpg
Summary
Artist |
Muhammad al-Idrisi(1099–1165 or 1166)
|
Description |
This 12th-century map of the Indian Ocean by al-Idrisi is so obviously imprecise as to seem almost decorative. (Note its similarity to the islands of the Indian Ocean in his world map) But don’t fault him for trying: It was one thing to be able to sail all the way to China and quite another to explain to a stay-at-home scholar where one had been. It is easy to forget what an achievement even a simple map represented. Until the 15th century, mariners knew maps could indicate relative shapes and sizes, but they were nearly useless for navigation. NATIONAL LIBRARY, CAIRO / GIRAUDON / ART RESOURCE
|
Date | 12th-century map of the Indian Ocean |
Collection | National Library |
Current location |
Cairo
|
Source/Photographer |
NATIONAL LIBRARY, CAIRO / GIRAUDON / ART RESOURCE |
Other versions | http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200504/the.seas.of.sindbad.htm |
Licensing
This is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional,
public domain
work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain for the following reason:
The official position taken by the Wikimedia Foundation is that "
faithful reproductions of two-dimensional public domain works of art are public domain
".
This photographic reproduction is therefore also considered to be in the public domain in the United States. In other jurisdictions, re-use of this content may be restricted; see Reuse of PD-Art photographs for details. |