The German theologian and geographer Heinrich Bünting, born in 1545 in Hanover, was an intelligent and inquisitive man who possessed not only a deep knowledge of sacred texts, but also an amazing imagination. He became famous for his work “Itinerarium Sacrae Scripturae” (Guide to the Holy Scriptures), in which he presented a unique geographical description of the biblical places of Palestine.
Despite the fact that Bünting himself did not have the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land, he carefully studied the reports and maps of other travelers, collecting in his book the most complete information about the biblical geography of his time.
One of the most remarkable aspects of his work were the emblematic maps. On them, Europe is depicted as a maiden, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, Asia - as Pegasus, personifying speed and strength, and the whole world - as a trefoil with Jerusalem in the center.
The German geographer could not ignore America. He did not include it in the shamrock like the rest of the world, but still depicted it to the lower left of the shamrock.
Bünting's maps remain, even today, an important source for the study of geography and symbolism of the time. They combine intelligence, imagination and faith.
This list is supplemented by other symbolic cards. They reflect not only ideas about state borders, possibilities for laying out routes, and the like, but also images of countries. These maps were created in Europe long before and during the First World War.
Source: cameralabs.org
