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 the contribution of Ibn Hawqal to cartography?

What misconceptions did early European cartographers have about the shape of the Americas?