The map below illustrates the location of Armenia according to the ancient Greek geographer and mathematician Eratosthenes. Eratosthenes (276 – 194 BC) was the chief librarian at the Library of Alexandria, and he is known for his work in geography and mathematics.
The map was reproduced by A. Villemin in “Earth and Seas, or Physical Description of the World” by L. Figuier, published in Paris by Librairie Hachette in 1884. It reflects Eratosthenes’ understanding of the world at the time, with Armenia located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.
The map also shows other important regions and cities of the time, including Greece, Persia, India, and Babylon. It is interesting to note the level of detail and accuracy that ancient cartographers were able to achieve with the limited technology and resources available to them.
Overall, the map provides a glimpse into the ancient world and the knowledge that was available to scholars such as Eratosthenes. It is a testament to the importance of geography and cartography in our understanding of the world and its history.
Vigen Avetisyan
Illustration source: Levan Tonaganyan and Арман Манусаджян ДРЕВНИЕ НАРОДЫ МИРА, ЭТНОСЫ и ПЛЕМЕНА
- Armenia on the world map according to Eratosthenes 276 – 194 BC., reproduced by A. Villemin in Earth and seas, or physical description of the world L. Figuier, Paris, Librairie Hachette, 1884.
- World map of Eratosthenes, reconstructed by von Spruner in 1855
