Fascinating Ancient Maps & Their Mistakes

The oldest known map, carved on clay, showing Babylon at the center of the world.

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A Greek scholar’s map that inspired explorers, but it stretched Asia way too far east.

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Created by Arab geographer al-Idrisi, drawn upside down with south at the top.

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Allegedly showed North America before Columbus—but many believe it’s a clever forgery.

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A massive circular map placing Jerusalem at the center, with biblical scenes painted around it.

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A detailed medieval map mixing geography with religion, myths, and strange creatures.

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A Chinese world map that impressively stretched from Africa to East Asia, centuries ahead of Europe.

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A Venetian masterpiece that placed south at the top and recorded stories from explorers.

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The first map to call the New World 'America,' although it depicted South America in an oddly shaped manner.

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A Portuguese map revealing new discoveries, Brazil appeared, but distorted and oversized.

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