Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the significance of early world maps and their impact on global exploration.

Materials and Prep

Materials needed: Paper, pencils, colored pencils, ruler, computer with internet access.

Prior knowledge: Basic understanding of world geography and a curious mind!

Activities

1. Research and Create: Research about famous early world maps like the Ptolemaic world map or the Fra Mauro map. Create your own version of an early world map.

2. Map Comparison: Compare and contrast an early world map with a modern world map. Identify the differences and discuss the reasons behind them.

3. Map Analysis: Analyze the inaccuracies of early world maps and discuss how they influenced the Age of Exploration.

Talking Points

• Early world maps were not always accurate representations of the world. They were often based on limited knowledge and exploration at the time. As a result, they contained many inaccuracies.
• Despite their inaccuracies, early world maps played a crucial role in shaping the Age of Exploration. They inspired explorers to venture into the unknown and discover new lands.
• Maps like the Ptolemaic world map, created in the 2nd century AD, were groundbreaking for their time. They introduced concepts like longitude and latitude that are still used in modern mapping.
• Early world maps were also influenced by cultural and religious beliefs of the time. For example, some maps depicted mythical creatures or fantastical lands based on legends and stories.
• By comparing early world maps with modern maps, we can see how our understanding of the world has evolved over time. It's fascinating to see how explorers' discoveries have shaped our current knowledge of geography.