Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, created by Abraham Ortelius in 1570, is considered the first modern atlas. It is a collection of detailed maps of different parts of the world, compiled in a uniform format. Each map is a careful, artistic representation based on the best information available at the time, illustrating continents, countries, and notable features. This atlas was significant because it organized geographic knowledge into a systematic and accessible form, helping scholars, explorers, and navigators to better understand the world's layout. It marked a pivotal step in the development of cartography and the dissemination of geographic information.