7 - Medieval Mappaemundi

Summary

Introduction

Finally, our investigation comes full circle back to its point of departure. In Chapter 1, we used the Kypros mappamundi as a means of introducing the whole vast subject of Jewish geographical conceptions. Then, in Chapters 2-6, we examined the Jewish geographical tradition that probably most influenced Jewish and Christian geographical conceptions through the centuries, that is, Genesis 10 and the Table of Nations tradition, in particular Jubilees 8–9. In the present chapter, we return to the Kypros map to explore the possible relevance of our investigation for understanding the medieval mappaemundi. With the discussion of Chapters 2-6 in view, it is almost inevitable that speculation should lead one to consider a possible link, however tenuous and indirect, between the Kypros map and the mappaemundi. For if the Kypros map reflects Jewish geographical traditions, and if Christian sources received and transmitted the same Jewish geographical traditions, then we may plausibly ask whether these traditions influenced the medieval mappaemundi. This possibility is strengthened by the fact that the Book of Jubilees was preserved in a Latin version, dating to the fifth to sixth century. Moreover, Greek Jubilees had long circulated in the form of extracts in many disparate works, especially the Christian chronographic tradition, as we have seen.

Given the many uncertainties and gaps in our knowledge, the purpose of this chapter must be tentative and cautious, exploring the possibilities and opening up new visas for future investigation. Our research is complicated by at least three major factors.