TED-Ed: The biggest mistakes in mapmaking history | Kayla Wolf

The video explores the history of mapmaking from the medieval period to the 17th century, highlighting the blend of functional and cosmographic maps. It discusses the mythical elements like dragons and sea monsters that were often depicted on maps, the contributions of Islamic and Chinese cartographers, and the errors made by European mapmakers. Despite advancements, maps often included speculative elements, reflecting incomplete knowledge of the world.

What was a common practice among medieval European mapmakers when depicting unknown territories?

• Including detailed topographical features

• Marking them with mythical creatures

• Leaving them blank

• Filling them with known trade routes

Which mapmaker created the Tabula Rogeriana, a significant map based on travels and interviews?

• Ibn Hawqal

• Al-idrisi

• Gerardus Mercator

• Martin Waldseemuller

What was unique about the Da Ming Hun Yi Tu map created in China?

• It was made entirely of gold

• It accurately depicted sub-Saharan Africa based on traders' accounts

• It included a detailed map of the Americas

• It was the first map to include Europe

How did Martin Waldseemuller inaccurately depict the Americas in his 1507 map?

• As a large continent with detailed coastlines

• As a part of Asia

• As a thin sliver of land

• As a series of islands

What mythical feature did Gerardus Mercator include in his map of the North Pole?

• A giant whirlpool

• A land of dragons

• A sea of mermaids

• A floating city