Medieval maps were not intended to be geographically accurate. To modern eyes, they can look superficially primitive and inaccurate. However, they were never meant to be used as navigational charts and they make no pretense of showing the relative areas of land and water. Rather, Medieval maps were mostly schematic and were meant to illustrate different principles. They were designed to help explain the theological position of man in the natural and supernatural world. Most Medieval people did not travel, so the sphere of their world was restricted to their immediate location. Known as mappae mundi (from the Latin words ‘mappa’ for cloth or chart and ‘mundus’ meaning world) European Medieval maps portrayed the world in relation to people’s towns, their regions, the stars and their faiths. So, although they were not the peak of cartographic excellence, mappae mundi weren’t meant to be… 

They were drawn on vellum or parchment (animal skin) and were generally rectangular. The outer side was left thick and rough, thus serving to protect the chart from temperature variations, humidity, and salinity. Maps dated 400-1450 AD were not orientated with North at the top, but rather East… where the sun rose and Paradise was thought to lie. Medieval mapmaking was dominated by the church and maps were often drawn with Jerusalem (the most holy place) at the center. Maps often contained myths, religious dogma and interpretations of Scripture.

The earliest maps ignored the curvature of Earth’s surface, both because the shape of the Earth was uncertain and because curvature is not important across the small areas being mapped. Medieval maps are better described as sketches produced for a particular occasion, rather than the general maps that we consult as a reference. They were drawn for strictly limited purposes and always had a user in mind – the Mediterranean navigator, the long-distance traveler by land, the law-court judging a dispute or the person seeking assistance in distant lands. What a map showed and how it showed it, depended on the purpose for which it was made. 

In Medieval times many people, such as monks and nuns who were bound to their monasteries, could not embark on pilgrimages. This created a demand for maps that let the viewer go on a virtual pilgrimage instead of a physical one, reading about relics and holy places from their libraries, both in books and on maps. Some Medieval world maps appear to have been used as artworks and symbols, rather than for practical purposes. They may have been hung on a wall or altar as decoration, or to symbolize a deity.  

As the art of cartography progressed during the Middle Ages, mappae mundi began to change to show an increasing understanding of the oceans and life beyond the Mediterranean Sea. These new types of maps, called Portolan charts, eventually began to modernize mapmaking beyond the classic mappae mundi.

So, creating a tiny version of these Medieval maps was a must for me! They are so detailed and beautiful to look at. This authentically Medieval two-sheet DIY printable makes a set of 15 miniature maps. They have different sizes and contain different diagrammatic elements, but they all have warm colours and an old parchment backing. These tiny maps can be rolled up and carried in a pouch, or used as a wall hanging / painting. They are perfect for 1:12 scale miniature castles, apothecaries, Medieval dioramas and every dollhouse library! Available in Lady Miniac’s shop. 

For a free DIY video tutorial showing the step-by-step process for this printable, please see my YouTube channel link https://youtu.be/b8n0zFVGZK0