The Babylonian Map of the World, aptly named “Imago Mundi” in Latin, is a remarkable clay tablet inscribed with the oldest known map of the ancient world. Discovered in Abu Habba (Sippar), an ancient Babylonian city in modern-day Iraq, this artifact dates back to approximately the sixth century B.C. Its significance lies in the unique window it provides into the Babylonian perception of the world thousands of years ago.
The map presents a fascinating vision of the ancient world as a single disc, encircled by a ring of water known as the Bitter River. At its center lies the mighty Euphrates River, with the city of Babylon prominently marked. Labels inscribed in cuneiform, the ancient Babylonian script, identify each location on the map, offering valuable insight into their geographic understanding. These labels, along with the map’s design, reveal a world shaped by Babylonian beliefs and knowledge.
However, it is important to note that the map also reflects a degree of artistic license. For instance, “Babylon” is depicted on only one side of the Euphrates River, despite its historical presence on both banks. This detail suggests that the map was not solely a precise representation of geography, but also a reflection of cultural significance and belief.
Beyond the map itself, the tablet’s surface holds even more intriguing information. Above the map, a block of text describes the creation of the world as told by Marduk, the chief deity of Babylonia. This narrative includes a list of animals, from mountain goats to leopards and wolves, further enriching our understanding of Babylonian mythology and cultural context. It also mentions notable rulers, such as Utnapishtim, the king who survived the epic flood, linking the map to ancient Mesopotamian mythology.
The back of the tablet contains additional text describing eight outlying regions known as nagu, each with a brief description. This provides further evidence of the Babylonians’ understanding of the world beyond their immediate surroundings. The tablet, measuring 4.8 inches tall by 3.2 inches wide, is a testament to the artistry, intellect, and worldview of the ancient Babylonians, and it stands as a priceless artifact in the permanent collection of The British Museum.
