The World According to Columbus c. 1490

Illustration

Simeon Netchev
by
published on 01 October 2021
The World According to Columbus c. 1490 Download Full Size Image

A map illustrating Christopher Columbus’s image of the world before his first voyage in 1492. It was based on a map by Toscanelli, depicting the planet about 25% smaller than it actually was, and ignored the (correct) measurements of Eratosthenes from some 1700 years earlier, compounded by his own wishful thinking and wrong mathematical assumptions. By Columbus' estimate, Asia was about 2,500 miles west of Spain. He was mistaken by roughly 8,000 miles.

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher passionate about the human stories behind past events. He believes every image should tell a story and spark interaction, while each map leads on a journey, blending imagination with education.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Netchev, S. (2021, October 01). The World According to Columbus c. 1490. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14664/the-world-according-to-columbus-c-1490/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "The World According to Columbus c. 1490." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified October 01, 2021. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14664/the-world-according-to-columbus-c-1490/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "The World According to Columbus c. 1490." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 01 Oct 2021. Web. 04 Oct 2024.

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