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The First Map of Africa

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The First Map of Africa

The first map of the entire, navigable African continent, meaning it’s not connected to a large southern land mass, commonly known as Terra Australis, was created in 1508. It’s of course not the first map to show any part of Africa and there were some earlier maps to show the navigable continent but this is the first dedicated just to the continent since Bartolomeu Dias rounded it’s southern tip in 1488.

The map was created by Portuguese cartographer Pedro Reinel and is known as the Reinel Map. It is a portolan chart, which is a type of map that was used by sailors for navigation. The map shows the coastline of Africa in great detail, including the major rivers and mountains. It also shows the locations of several important cities, including Cairo, Alexandria, and Mombasa.

The Reinel Map is an important historical document because it provides a glimpse into the European understanding of Africa at the beginning of the 16th century. It is also a beautiful work of art, and it is considered to be one of the most important maps in the history of cartography.

Here are some interesting facts about the Reinel Map:

  • It is the first map to show the entire coastline of Africa.
  • It is the first map to show the Cape of Good Hope.
  • It is the first map to show the island of Madagascar.
  • It is the first map to show the Arabian Peninsula in its correct location.
  • It is the first map to use the term “Africa” to refer to the entire continent.

The Reinel Map is a valuable resource for historians and geographers. It provides a wealth of information about the European understanding of Africa at the beginning of the 16th century. It is also a beautiful work of art, and it is considered to be one of the most important maps in the history of cartography.

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