the MS San Marino - background extras

[RobA]

I found this page on the MS San Marino, and discovered this gem of a page (not in English) buried in it:

http://www.mssanmarino.com/Extras.html

In particular it has the much debated "1418 Chinese Map of the World" (link provided as it is too large to sit inline...)

http://www.mssanmarino.com/Images/Maps/1418_map.jpg

Nice

-Rob A>

[NeonKnight]

Good find, it spurred me to llok up information on this map and I cam across this website:

http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/pscindx.htm

The Links in particular are under Catastrophes and Other Marvels where he talks about the 1421 Chinese Map, ancient Korean maps, and the Piri Reis map.

Thanks for helping me learn more about our wonderful history of Cartography. Have some Rep!

[RobA]

Thanks!

it is interesting to read about our own mapping of the world, and to see the distortions, inconsistencies, and completely incorrect drawings that were produced.

It makes me wonder at our (or at least my) tendency toward accurate maps. As a DM, I think I should rethink my large scale player handouts. Rather than giving them accurate, but un-detailed maps, I might have to switch and provide inaccurate, yet highly detailed ones!

Looking at those historic maps, I think I could achieve the same by looking at a mirror image of my accurate master map, and sketching it out, un-mirrored, with my left hand (I am normally right handed, in case anyone wonders). Then go back an fill in little localized details with little regard for scale, instead, focusing on importance, and completely make up (or leave out) other areas (here be dragons...)

Then my players will end up with copies of scraps, dregs, bits and pieces of inconsistent, and contradictory maps. Much like in the golden age of global exploration

-Rob (I may jest but might be on to something) A>

P.S> txs for the rep!