1. Introduction
The cartographic representation of the Holy Land has undergone significant evolution over the millennia, reflecting shifting political realities, evolving religious perspectives, and advancements in technology. This article examines the development of maps depicting Israel and its surroundings, focusing on how place names have been recorded, transformed, and politicised through cartographic history.
2. Ancient and Classical Maps
Early maps of the region, such as those by Ptolemy (2nd century CE), combined geographical knowledge with classical scholarship, often using Greek and Latin place names (Snyder, 1997). Biblical sites were marked according to religious traditions, though accuracy was limited.
3. Medieval and Crusader Cartography
Medieval maps, including the famous Hereford Mappa Mundi (13th century), presented the Holy Land as a spiritual centre of the world, emphasising sacred places over precise geography (Harley & Woodward, 1987). Crusader maps often reflected military and religious interests, influencing the naming and depiction of sites.
4. Ottoman and Early Modern Mapping
Under Ottoman rule, cartography became more systematic, with detailed surveys integrating Arabic place names (Masters, 2001). European explorers and missionaries also contributed maps that combined biblical scholarship with local toponymy.
5. British Mandate and Modern Cartography
The British Mandate period (1917–1948) saw the production of highly detailed topographic maps, standardising place names in English, Arabic, and Hebrew, sometimes with political overtones (Conder & Kitchener, 1882). Post-1948 Israeli cartography emphasised Hebrew place names as part of nation-building efforts.
6. Political Implications of Cartographic Naming
Maps serve not only geographic but also political functions. Disputes over place names in maps reflect broader struggles for territorial legitimacy and cultural recognition (Pickles, 2004).
7. Conclusion
The cartographic history of the Holy Land reveals the intersection of geography, religion, politics, and identity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending how maps shape perceptions and realities of the region.
References
- Conder, C. R., & Kitchener, H. H. (1882). The Survey of Western Palestine. Committee of the Palestine Exploration Fund.
- Harley, J. B., & Woodward, D. (Eds.). (1987). The History of Cartography, Volume 1: Cartography in Prehistoric, Ancient, and Medieval Europe and the Mediterranean. University of Chicago Press.
- Masters, B. (2001). The Arabs of the Ottoman Empire. Cambridge University Press.
- Pickles, J. (2004). A History of Spaces: Cartographic Reason, Mapping, and the Geo-Coded World. Routledge.
- Snyder, J. (1997). Flattening the Earth: Two Thousand Years of Map Projections. University of Chicago Press.