What Secrets Do Historical Maps Reveal About the World and Us?

More Than Just Geography

When looking at those older maps, does it ever seem like they belong more in a story or a history book? Old maps were never mere navigational aids; they were the world view of the people who created them. Or, rather, the world view they had at the time, based much on hearsay, myth, or in some cases, their own limited first-hand experience. So there could be gigantic sea monsters in the oceans, or whole land masses that didn't exist at all! Of course, they did not just make this stuff up as artistic embellishments. The mapmakers were showing their own fascination and wonder, and sometimes, fear as well.

As such, maps represented the unknown as it was found (or mapped out). They were artefacts of both a culture's ideas at the time, their scientific understanding (or misunderstanding) of the world, and sometimes their religious beliefs. Maps were arguably some of the first attempts by humans to make sense of their environment, often initially artistically rendered, drawn by hand, painted with ink colours, and these were meaningful objects.

The next time you encounter an old map, try reading it as a story instead of a history. You may find some surprising hidden stories it has to tell.

Shifting Borders and Changing Names

One thing that might surprise people when looking at old historical maps is just how many times the borders of countries have changed! Where we have one country today was probably once several kingdoms, tribal territories, or colonies. 

For example, before the First World War, looking at Europe, you would see several countries and names you might have never heard of today, Prussia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, all of which are no longer part of the world anymore, or the Ottoman Empire, not even a political entity. And even more recently, borders had already changed. look at Germany, it was zones, or consider the borders in Africa created during the time of colonialism by any number of powers who made arbitrary borders without respecting the cultures and languages that were already there. 

And it is not just the lines on the maps, but also represents wars, treaties, revolutions, and the movement of people. Looking at maps in a series over decades or centuries is like watching history happen in fast-forward; it can be disruptive. 

They also raise interesting questions for thought: Are borders really permanent? How do borders impact and infiltrate the lives of people living among those borders? History is always in motion; maps are just one of the best representations of that motion.

Maps as Tools of Power

It is easy to consider maps as neutral, factual artifacts, but maps have often been utilized as tools of power and persuasion. Because maps are not just a reflection of the land, they present a story of authority itself. Colonial maps were produced by European powers to document their ownership of native lands in Africa, Asia, and the Americas; meanwhile, many of those maps forsook the realities of the land in favour of colonial prerogatives. As such, the maps saw boundaries appear that disregarded the reality of the Indigenous peoples, disregarded natural borders, and disregarded cultural regions; they simply drew straight lines, benefiting a coloniser's purpose. Maps are political, as are the names of, or size of, or situation of a country, and so too is the tone.

Have you ever looked at maps that distort nations in different sizes based on projection style? I assure you that it is not accidental. Looking at historical maps with a critical eye towards the potential for shape ability and shape allows us to recall how we can create information, and subvert it.

Simply put, the best reminder would come in the form of a couple of questions you may reflect on: Who made this map? And what were they trying to show—or hiding? Maps are not just about geography. They are about someone else's vision of the world.

Let’s Explore Together: Final Thoughts

Now that we've explored some of the historical moments communicated through maps, I hope you're as amazed and interested as I am at how much maps tell about the past and about us. Whether that's from changing borders, fantastical sea monsters, or whatever else has come before or is being considered for the future, maps don't simply map land; they map human thought, power, and imagination.

So let me ask you -- have you ever seen a map that made you see history differently? Whether it be ancient atlases at a friend's house, walking through a museum, or a random website you come across on the internet? 

I would love to hear your story in the comments section below. Let's use this blog as an informal, digital gathering where students, educators, and curious people can come together to share and discuss ideas. Remember, studying the past is an adventure, and every map is a part of that adventure!

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About the Author:
I'm Ali Mujtuba Zaidi, a passionate history enthusiast who enjoys exploring how the past connects to our present. Through this blog, I share my thoughts and research on ancient civilizations, lost empires, and the lessons history teaches us today.