Looking at Interesting Old Maps for 10 Minutes

Most of my videos focus on one or a set of related maps but in this video, we’re going to look at random old maps ranging from the 16th to the 19th century that I just find interesting. Let’s jump right in.

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[WyomingTraveler]

While these old maps are not as accurate as modern ones, I think it is interesting that they are so accurate. An interesting video would be on how ancient explorers drew such accurate maps since they had no aerial view at all.

[GeographyWorld]

Modern maps just aren't as fun without the monsters!

[MedicMain]

5:52

Well, that's a Seahorse. Can't really argue with that

[ChihiroOfAstora]

Quick correction. The first two maps DO NOT represent the Tenotchitlan of the Aztec Empire and the Quzco of the Inca Empire, but the Tenotchtitlan and Quzco of the Spanish Empire; the same cities during the hispanic period . And you can see it from the architecture and also because of the year it was done, decades after the conquests.

[maximipe]

Fun fact of old spanish: the letter X was pronounced as 'sh', so conquistadors would say 'Meshico'. The sound later change to a modern J sound but original topographical names remained. That's why Mexico, still with an X, is pronounced Mejico today

[Ammmssk]

Could you analyze maps of Eastern Europe, I find it so interesting that it was pretty unknown till the age of discovery too

[davidlanger]

I get a kick of old maps of North America where California is depicted as an island

[nugget]

That last map had interesting proportions! Almost like the curve of the earth viewed from an angle

[vif]

0:12 | 1578 A.D. - South America, by Dutch cartographer Cornelius de [Yoda?]
3:45 | 1651 A.D. - Virginia Colony, by [English] mapmaker John [Far?]
4:58 | 1539 A.D. - Scandinavian and Baltic Sea/Arctic Ocean, drawn by [various?]
5:41 | 1570 A.D. - Iceland and the Arctic Ocean, [auth?]
6:53 | 1624 A.D. - Atlas of the World, "Lumen Historiarum, " [auth?]
7:23 | 1738 A.D. - Map of London circa 1560, [auth?]
7:49 | 1619 A.D. - [Zalum] Province of the Nederlands, drafted by Gerardus Mercator
8:19 | 1889 A.D. - Map showing the range of North American bison, found in William T. Hornaday's book "Extermination of the American Bison"
8:54 | 1636 A.D. - Map of Far East Asia, created by [Yota] Casandes
9:24 | 1507 A.D. - "America's Birth Certificate, " First Map of the New World called by name, done by [unknown] German Cartographer

Got lazy to go and found everything so I put things I couldn't figure out in brackets. Last one is probably findable at Library of Congress gov site

[alexghbs]

Very nice video. You missed a very nice detail on the map shown around 9:20 though :) Japan is shown horizontally, in stead of vertically. This is because the Dutch had to go of Chinese map (which showed it as seen from mainland China and not orientated northward). The Dutch were told that they'd lose all access to Deshima (the only international trading town in Japan) if they circumnavigated Japan.

[isahighlander]

I like old maps as well. My favorite is an old 1850's one of Australia, which still had no lines on the coast of Victoria. Last of all major lines in the atlas we know today.

[arghyadipsen]

'Several monsters are drawn on the map..'
Gonna do that like a boss in my arcgis class🌚

[theinnerlight]

Just love the beauty of the design of these old maps. Works of art. 👌

[draculastraphouse]

I've always been very interested in maps, I can point out any country on a globe instantly. Also, I can recognize nearly every single flag

[TheGryfonclaw]

My undergrad was in cartography and spatial analysis. I don't work in that field anymore, and I was more of an old globe collector, but this takes me back to history classes on the topic. Nice video.

[TD-npze]

Very greatful for actual human narrator!
Something very comforting about hearing a person sharing their personal perspective and knowledge!

[Pidgey]

new to the channel. but I can't get enough of it keep up the great job!

[lronbutters]

So cool! The drawings of the cities is very interesting

[devy]

Thank you for the bison herd map and your commentary; I have never seen or heard of it and feel blessed today to find the info. Thank you so much.

[sueparras]

I've always loved looking at maps. Not sure why but it just seems so interesting to see what other countries are like. Thanks for scratching my itch! ❤✌🇨🇦