In the manuscripts of Matenadaran we can find many geographical maps in Armenian, which came from the ancient times. Along with geographical works, books they served as sources of knowledge. There are cases in history when maps could not be saved, but texts were preserved. For example, the “Ashkharhatsuyts” of Anania Shirakatsi. Academician S. Yeremyan played an important role in the restoration of ancient geographical maps in Armenian.
The following geographical maps in Armenian were found in the manuscripts of Matenadaran:
Armenian Oval map
This 15th century map shows Asia, Europe and Africa. On the map, Europe is separated from Asia by Dnieper River, Nile River separates Asia from Africa and Europe is separated from Africa by Mediterranean Sea. All the geographical objects are marked by inscriptions. The center of the world is Jerusalem. The book from where this map was taken is mainly about arithmetic and upbringing.
“Two men-maps”
“Two men-maps” by Hakob Ghrimetsi date back to the 15th century. The map shows reclining men, which have zodiacal constellations marked on them and the geographical objects that coincide with those zodiac signs. For example, under the Cancer constellation is Armenia, under the Aries is Persia, the Taurus represents Babylon, the constellation Pisces corresponds to the Red Sea, and so on. It is still unclear why the silhouettes of two people were used for cartography, but it can be assumed that such could be used for teaching purposes. It is also possible that such men-maps served as materials for the study of astronomy.
The Map of Jerusalem
The map of Jerusalem dates back to the 16th century. As with other medieval Armenian handwritten maps, this map also depicts Jerusalem in the center of the world. The map shows the main square of the city and six neighborhoods around it.
Man-Map
Along with the map of Jerusalem, there is another man-map, where all the parts of the body correspond to a continent, country or district (for example, the head is Persia, the heart is Asia, the stomach is Cilicia, etc.). However, unlike the previous man-map, there are no zodiac signs. This map was probably also created for educational purposes. It would be easier for students to remember the location of geographical objects, identifying them with body parts.
Map-Compass
This map dates back to the 17th century. It does not show any geographical objects and inscriptions, but on each of the 12 parts of the circle, there are short notes. These notes contain some facts known to the author about the weather, prevailing winds, atmospheric precipitation in a particular continent.
The Cosmology book
In the book “Cosmology” by Harutyun Ghukasyan, there is a map (19th century). The map does not show a specific area, but a part of the land reflected in the water. On this map, the author highlighted oceans, seas, bays, lakes, rivers in different colors. The map shows the equator and prime meridian, northern and southern latitude, eastern and western longitude.
We should also note that Khachatur Abovyan made the first self-made globe in Armenian. Friedrich Parrot taught him this at the Dorpat University. This globe was used for educational purposes in the Provincial College of Yerevan where Khachatur Abovyan worked and lived.
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