Google Maps of Jerusalem, Circa 1570
Crossposted from Haaretz
Late 16th-century Jerusalem is “the most famous of Judea and the entire East, whose size and splendor marvels the imagination” according to German geographer and theologian George Braun, who during the Renaissance created several of the most important historical maps of the city.
“That Jerusalem is the center of the whole world and lies on high mountains in the middle of the land of the Jews is attested not just by geographers but by all historians and the holy Bible,” he wrote in a text that is found at the top of a 1572 map.
The map of Jerusalem is one of 363 colored historical maps that appear in the book “Cities of the World,” that was recently published in English by Taschen.
A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse..
Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO