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This map, created by F.A. Garnier and published in 1860, provides a comparative view of global geographic knowledge as it developed from ancient times to the modern era. The map uses a gradation of shaded areas to convey three distinct phases of discovery: the darkest regions represent territories known to ancient civilizations, primarily in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia; an intermediate shade indicates lands discovered by the close of the 15th century; and the lightest regions show territories revealed through more recent explorations.
Overlaying these shaded regions are the territorial extents of the Roman Empire and the Empire of Alexander the Great, denoted by dotted and dashed lines, which frame the historical boundaries of known territories for these ancient powers. Major exploratory routes are plotted across the map, highlighting paths taken by renowned explorers as they expanded the frontiers of knowledge into previously unknown regions.
Below the main map, Garnier has included a detailed chronological table that lists notable discoveries and the explorers responsible, constructing a timeline that traces the development of global knowledge. This table serves to reinforce the visual narrative of the map, emphasizing the cumulative and collective effort of discovery.
![[Wall Map] Orbis Terrarum Nova et Accurata Tabula. Auct. G. Valck.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/41630dc.jpg)
