"The Mapmakers" by John Noble Wilford seems to be an informative and well-researched non-fiction book that explores the evolution of cartography and the people behind these advancements.
Eratosthenes, a remarkable figure in the history of mapmaking. His method of calculating the Earth's circumference, though based on flawed assumptions, was remarkably accurate considering the tools and knowledge available at that time.
Ptolemy's map, created in the Second Century, had a significant impact on subsequent mapmaking for centuries. It introduced the idea of depicting countries and landmarks based on mathematical calculations rather than their perceived importance.
The translation of Ptolemy's Geographia into Latin in 1407 opened up new possibilities for Western mapmakers to create more accurate representations of the world. This coincided with the Age of Discovery, during which explorers like Christopher Columbus ventured into uncharted territories, expanding the known world and challenging previous notions of geography.
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