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| The map depicts how Babylonians perceived the world thousands of years ago. (Image credit: Universal History Archive via Getty Images) |
The Babylonian Map of the World, also known as Imago Mundi in Latin, is the oldest known map of the ancient world, etched into a clay tablet.
Originating from Abu Habba, the ancient city of Sippar in present-day Iraq, this remarkable artifact dates back to the sixth century B.C.
A Glimpse into Ancient Perceptions
This tablet provides a fascinating window into how the Babylonians viewed their world over 2,500 years ago.
The map represents the Earth as a circular disc, bordered by a surrounding body of water labeled "Bitter River." At the map’s core is the mighty Euphrates River, with the ancient city of Babylon taking a central position, a symbolic nod to its importance in the region.
The map is annotated in cuneiform script, offering insights into various locations across the depicted world, according to records from The British Museum.
Creative Cartography
Notably, the map doesn't strictly adhere to geographic accuracy. Babylon is shown on just one side of the Euphrates, despite the fact that the city spanned both banks for most of its history.
This suggests that early Babylonian cartographers may have used creative license, prioritizing symbolic representation over precision.
Cosmic and Mythological Elements
Above the map, a block of text provides a description of the world’s creation by Marduk, the chief deity of Babylon. The text lists various animals, including a mountain goat, lion, leopard, hyena, and wolf, alongside notable figures such as Utnapishtim, the legendary king who survived a great flood.
These details intertwine the realms of mythology and natural history, showing how Babylonian cosmology was deeply connected to their understanding of the physical world.
Additional Details on the Tablet's Reverse
The reverse side of the tablet features more cuneiform text, offering descriptions of eight peripheral regions, known as "nagu." Each region is briefly described, adding further depth to the Babylonian conception of their world and its farthest reaches.
Dimensions and Museum Exhibit
Measuring 4.8 inches tall and 3.2 inches wide (12.2 by 8.2 centimeters), this small yet significant tablet is housed in The British Museum's permanent collection, where it continues to be an invaluable resource for understanding ancient Babylonian thought and geography.
The Map of Knowledge:
A Thousand-Year History of How Classical Ideas Were Lost and Found
“A sumptuous, glittering, endlessly fascinating book, written with passion, verve, and humor.”—Catherine Nixey
