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7 maps that marked an era and changed perspectives

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Of course, maps have been crucial tools throughout history for understanding the world around us and shaping perspectives. Here are seven notable maps that have made history:

1. **Hereford Mappa Mundi (c. 1300)**: This is one of the oldest known world maps, dating from the late 13th century. It represents a medieval view of the world, combining religious, historical and geographical elements.

2. **Ptolemy's Map (c. 150 AD)**: Created by Claudius Ptolemy, a Greco-Roman astronomer and geographer, this map represented the geographical knowledge of Classical Antiquity. Despite containing inaccuracies, it greatly influenced medieval and Renaissance cartography.

3. **Mercator Map (1569)**: Developed by Gerardus Mercator, this map introduced a cartographic projection that allowed for the accurate representation of straight-line shipping routes, but distorted the size of continents. It had a major impact on navigation during the Age of Exploration.

4. **Waldseemüller Map (1507)**: This map is notable for being one of the first to use the term “America” to refer to the New World, in honor of explorer Amerigo Vespucci. It was a significant contribution to European understanding of the geography of the American continent.

5. **Peters Map (1973)**: Developed by German historian Arno Peters, this map was designed to correct the size distortions present in the Mercator projection, highlighting more precisely the areas of the continents. It raised important questions about cartographic representation and ethnocentrism.

6. London Underground Map (1933): Designed by Harry Beck, this London Underground map was a breakthrough in cartographic design, dramatically simplifying the city's geography for easier navigation. It influenced the design of public transport maps around the world.

7. **Human Genome Map (2003)**: Although not a traditional geographic map, the mapping of the human genome was a scientific milestone that changed our understanding of human biology. This map offers fundamental insights into the health, evolution, and genetic diversity of the human species.

These maps have not only shaped the way we see the world, but have also profoundly influenced our knowledge and understanding of it.

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