The Exploration of Matteo Ricci’s World Map

Abstract

Matteo Ricci’s world map is believed to be based on three sources: European maps, maps and documents from China and the personal experience and observation of Matteo Ricci himself. Although it is generally agreed that Matteo Ricci obtained details from these three sources, further in-depth analysis is still needed. For the first one, the question still remains whose original map was used as main reference by Matteo Ricci when he drew his world map in Chinese. Most sources indicate that they are possibly maps by Abraham Ortelius, Gerard and Rumold Mercator and Petrus Plancius, although the influence of Petrus Plancius is probably less than the others. In general, most scholars believe that the main reference of Ricci’s world map is Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, drawn and compiled by Abraham Ortelius. However, it still remains to be fully proved by convincing grounds of argumentation. Some scholars think both Ortelius and Mercators are possibly the main resource while some believe it was the Mercators. This chapter demonstrates three factual evidences to argue that Ortelius’ work is the main reference of Matteo Ricci’s Chinese world map. The original source of the maps of Japan and Korea in Ricci’s world map will also be discussed.