Abstract
The largely unstudied anonymous manuscript world map of c.1530 that is Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana MS Urb. Lat. 274, folios 73v–74r, has a hypothetical southern continent. This unusual feature forms an extravagant ring of land around the South Pole and is full of toponyms despite its designation as Terra Incognita. This paper includes a discussion of the map's toponyms in the known world and provides a comprehensive transcription and analysis of those of the southern continent. Many of the latter names seem to have been pure invention on the part of the mapmaker, but some are identical with those given by Columbus to features in Central America during his Fourth Voyage to the New World. The reasons for the placement of New World toponyms on the land to the south of Asia are discussed. Chet Van Duzer is a writer on historical geography.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
