Ancient map of the World, 1587

Urbano Monte was an Italian cartographer who is known for creating a remarkable world map in the late 16th century. The map, known as the "Monte's World Map," was completed in 1587 and is a testament to Monte's ambition and creativity.

Monte's World Map is an impressive and innovative cartographic work of its time. It is one of the earliest known examples of an attempt to create a comprehensive and detailed representation of the entire world. The map is particularly notable for its size and level of detail.

Tavola 1-60, also known as the "Map of the World," refers to a series of sixty individual sheets or panels that make up Urbano Monte's comprehensive world map created in 1587. Each tavola (Italian for "table" or "panel") covers a specific region or area of the world, combining to form a cohesive representation of the entire globe.

Monte's World Map was designed to be displayed on a wall, and the individual panels could be assembled in a specific order to create a seamless and continuous map. Each tavola focuses on a particular geographic area, providing detailed information about the landforms, cities, rivers, and other features.

The specific content of each tavola varies depending on the region it represents. Some panels depict continents, such as Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas, while others showcase specific countries or regions within those continents. The level of detail and accuracy can also vary between different parts of the map.

The individual panels of Monte's World Map were designed to be studied and examined individually or in small groups, allowing for a closer look at specific regions of interest. When displayed as a whole, the panels create a grand and comprehensive view of the world, providing viewers with a sense of the vastness and diversity of the Earth.

Each tavola typically includes a combination of geographic features, place names, and decorative elements. Monte employed various symbols, illustrations, and annotations to convey additional information about each region. These can include mountains, forests, animals, ships, and even scenes depicting local customs or events.

While the specific details of the Tavola 1-60 may vary, their collective purpose was to offer a comprehensive and detailed representation of the world as understood at the time. This ambitious cartographic project by Urbano Monte stands as a testament to the Renaissance-era exploration and mapping of the world and provides valuable insights into the geographic knowledge and beliefs of that period.