Old Maps Archive

A small personal collection of notes about old maps I find interesting.

Carta Marina, 1539

Olaus Magnus

The famous map of Scandinavia full of sea monsters. Surprisingly accurate coastlines for its time.

Tabula Rogeriana, 1154

Muhammad al-Idrisi

Drawn with south at the top. Takes a minute to read, then it suddenly makes sense.

Map of Saint Petersburg, 1753

Academy of Sciences

Interesting to compare the street grid with today. Many canals are still in the same place.