Maps!

COMPARE the maps on pg. 377 and 379. How does the map on 377 reflect European knowledge, bias, and interests?

The map shown on page 377 is a political map, rather then a physical map, which shows that Europe was more interested in the local regions and trade routes rather then the major land marks of the world. The map is very detailed within the nearer European area, which I found interesting considering that a large part of the desires of states back then was to explore, and the areas outside of Europe seemed barren in comparison. It seems that Europe was more interested in becoming successful within itself, then expanding their empire. Even thought there are farther lands marked on the map, it looks like Europe became aware of their existence, and that was as far as they went. They had no interest in finding out what else was there.

THINK AND WRITE about what a Chinese map from the 16th century might look like. How about one drawn by Ottoman cartographers? (Using the other maps in ch. 13 may help in thinking about these questions.)

A Chinese map from the 16th century would probably depict all of their trade routes, and the lands that they have traveled to. It would show the best ways to get to the islands that they trade with and maybe also the goods that each different place had. Also, since the Ming Dynasty spent so much time and money reforesting and setting up new irrigation systems, it might show the physical features of China as well.

An Ottoman map would probably show a detailed layout of the Ottoman Empire, but not very much of the outside lands. Since they were almost constantly at war with the Safavid Empire for almost a century, they would not really know what Safavid lands looked like, so they would not be able to accurately depict them on a map. An Ottoman map would probably also show the boundaries of the lands that they had taken over whilst the were still spreading.