The history of Europe’s interactions with Asia is no better documented than through the maps that were produced by Europeans over a long period. From the time of Ptolemy in 150AD, maps of Asia had showed parts of the continent based on the scant information at the time provided by explorers and traders. For the next 1500 years maps of Asia hardly changed. Vince Ungvary explains the evolution of cartography – in both the East and the West – and how Europeans and Chinese differed in their perceptions of the uses of maps.

     Members may visit the members’ area to log in and find additional information related to this event.