Cartographie médiévale

Cartographie médiévale refers to mapmaking practices during the Middle Ages (roughly 500-1500 AD). These maps often blended geographic knowledge with religious and symbolic elements, reflecting medieval worldview. They rarely aimed for accurate geographic representation; instead, they emphasized spiritual significance, biblical locations, and medieval perceptions of the world’s structure. Famous examples include T and O maps, which depicted Jerusalem at the center. Such maps served educational, religious, and cultural purposes, guiding pilgrims and illustrating theological concepts rather than precise navigation.