Exploration and Encounter
Map 1 - The World Columbus Knew in 1482
Ptolemy Core Map
Core Map
: Claudius Ptolemy, "World Map" from his Geography (Ulm, 1482). Newberry Library call number: Ayer *6 P9 1842.

Drawn in the fifteenth century, the core map is based on the work of the classical Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemy, who was active in the second century of the common era. The map represents the perceived view of the world of Columbus and other Renaissance European explorers, and therefore serves as a rich introduction to the study of the explorations and encounters that ultimately led to the construction of the United States.

Lesson Plans

  • K-2 - Reading the World, Then and Now
  • 3-5 - Of Maps and Worldviews
  • 6-8 - Finding Latitudes and Longitudes
  • 9-12 - Columbian Contexts

    Resources (including supplemental images)

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