The Americas
The beginning of extensive exploration in the "new world," heralded by the first voyage of Columbus in 1492, is one of the most significant turning points in western civilization. The discovery of the American continents and their availability to European exploitation is frequently viewed as the end of the Middle Ages, though it is by no means the only event considered as such.
For more on defining both the end and the beginning of the medieval era, see your Guide's feature, Defining the Middle Ages. More information about exploration through the Middle Ages and beyond can be found in our Expansion, Exploration and Discovery Subject Index.
The New World
From the University of Georgia's Rare Map Collection come seven images of maps of the New World from the sixteenth and seventeenth century.
Maps by Region Index
About the Medieval Atlas
The Medieval Atlas is a directory of maps,
charts, geographic drawings and illustrations, illuminations, and
other cartographic representations of the world in general, and the
geography of Europe in particular, during the Middle Ages. Both
historical maps and period or "antique" maps are included.
The directory links to maps on the web as well as
to maps right here at the Medieval History site. Many maps are in the
public domain and may be downloaded and used freely; however, please
check each individual page for copyright notices and any terms of use
for the map it displays.
For more about this atlas, return to the
Medieval
Atlas main page.
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