Dracones

Dracones, originating from Latin meaning "dragons," were mythical sea monsters used by ancient sailors to mark dangerous or unknown areas on maps. They symbolized treacherous regions beyond familiar waters, warning navigators of potential hazards like storms or uncharted shallows. Over time, the term has been adopted in various contexts, including astronomy, as the "Draconids" meteor shower, and in literature, highlighting mysterious or perilous territories. Fundamentally, dracones serve as historical cartographic symbols reflecting human caution and curiosity about uncharted environments.