2,600-Year-Old Babylonian map from Iraq reveals ancient worldview
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Discovered in Sippar, Iraq, the Imago Mundi stands as the oldest known map of the world, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Babylonian worldview over 2,600 years ago. This unique clay tablet, dating to the 6th century BCE and now housed in the British Museum, is more than just geography – it's a blend of cosmology and mythology.
Ancient Babylonian Map Offers a Rare 2,600-Year-Old View of the World | The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel
Carved in cuneiform script, the map places Babylon at the very center, reflecting its status as the hub of Mesopotamian civilization. Surrounding Babylon are representations of neighboring cities and regions like Assyria and Elam, along with geographical features such as mountains and swamps. The known world is depicted as encircled by a 'bitter river' or ocean.
Intriguingly, the Imago Mundi intertwines the real with the mythical. Cuneiform text provides context, while depictions of legendary creatures hint at the Babylonians' belief in divine forces shaping their world. The reverse side even features carvings of constellations, linking the earthly realm to the heavens.
This incredible artifact from ancient Iraq provides invaluable insight into the sophisticated knowledge and unique cosmology of the Babylonians, showcasing humanity's enduring quest to understand its place in the cosmos.
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