Cosmos and Earth. Ancient and Modern Maps

Maps document how certain societies inhabit, control or explore space. Therefore, they are of a central importance in the external representation of spatial knowledge.

The Topoi researchers in one group of the research area "The Processing of Space" (E/Transformations) are investigating the knowledge required for the production of maps as well as the possible impact of maps on the concepts of space present in a culture. Historical maps produced by different cultures are surveyed and classified. Particular focus in the research is placed on the relation between astronomical knowledge, cosmological theories and geographical knowledge in ancient times. In Topoi, electronic tools are being developed to facilitate exact calculation of historical astronomical phenomena and constellations mentioned in ancient texts, to convert data on the duration of the longest day of a given year into geographical latitude, and more.

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