Abraham Ortelius Atlas 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' Hounored as Google Doodle, Know More about World's First Published Map
The atlas titled Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World) was first published on 20th May in 1570.
In today's times when we have the entire world map accessible on our fingertips, search engine giant Google has honoured the first creator of the Atlas, Abraham Ortelius. The Google doodle today celebrates the publishing of the first atlas by the Flemish cartographer. He has made a significant contribution to the world by making the atlas. Abraham Ortelius collected the latest information from the scientists, geographers and others specialists studying the map to form the comprehensive atlas. The atlas titled Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World) was first published on 20th May in 1570.
Ortelius started working as a map-engraver and made money by trading books and maps. He had travelled widely across the European continent and met his inspiration, the renowned cartographer Gerardus Mercator. After publishing the first map in 1564, Ortelius became the foremost cartographers in that era. And 6 years later he had published the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum – Theatre of the World – the first modern atlas.
The Google doodle shows a book with flipping pages, showing how continents were joined initially in the first world map. As the pages flip forward one can notice the sea monsters in the water. These mythical creations were a fascination of the generation. They always appeared in the changing landscapes of the atlas maps.
The atlas was so popular that three Latin editions of this were made till the end of 1572. And about 25 editions came out before Ortelius' death in 1598. The atlas was in great demand till the year 1612. Ortelius was one of the first cartographers who added the sources and names of the original creators of the maps. It just goes to show how he always checked with his fellow and prominent scholars, from all over Europe before making the atlas. Ortelius also became the geographer to Phillip II, the king of Spain post his big publication. In a time when we just quickly put in a location and access it through applications, it is important to remember the great cartographer's work who made it a reality on paper.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 20, 2018 12:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).