This image is zoomable. See the icons in the bottom right-hand corner.
Click the far right icon to view full screen.
‘Portolan charts are navigational maps based on realistic descriptions of harbours and coasts. They were first made in the 14th century in Italy, Portugal and Spain. With the advent of the Age of Discovery, they were considered State secrets in Portugal and Spain, very valuable in the description of Atlantic and Indian coastlines for newcomer English and Dutch raiding, and later trading, ships. The word portolan comes from the Italian adjective portolano, meaning “related to ports or harbours.’
- Wikipedia
Isn’t the map upside-down? I mean, it’s the right way up in terms of the current orientation of Europe on most maps, but the writing is upside-down isn’t it?
I was just thinking that its upside-down myself, for about the same reasons as you.
interesting page…just wondering my ancestors on my fathers side go back to Spain and Portugal. Our name also is Aguiar.
We go back to the inquisition in Spain 1492. When the jews were expelled. There is a town called Aguiar in Portugal. Is it any where on this map? Thank you