Exploration & Discovery

Abraham Ortelius publishes first modern atlas

Abraham Ortelius released the 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum', which is widely recognized as the first modern atlas. This significant publication contained maps showcasing the known world, along with detailed descriptions of different regions. Ortelius, a Flemish cartographer, aimed to compile a comprehensive depiction of geography available at that time. Published in Antwerp, the atlas became a crucial reference for navigators, scholars, and the general public. The work offered not just maps but also information about the physical and political landscape of the world, changing the way geography was understood and represented.

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