mappa mundi

The Mappa Mundi, a unique historical map of the known world
around the 13th Century A.D., is the then-known interpretation of the
world in spiritual geographical terms. Although the map is undated, it
bears the name of Richard de Haldingham e de Lafford, whom it
is believed was also known as Richard de Bello Prebendary of
Lafford, a parish in the diocese of Lincoln, in the late 13th Century.
Drawn on a sheet of vellum (a parchment prepared from the skin of a
young calf or kid), measuring 64 by 54 inches and supported on an oak
frame, the Mappa Mundi shows rivers, seas, mountain ranges and
towns. Monks all over Europe would have made maps such as this for
use by the Church for teaching purposes.
The projection used was based on the Roman model, where everything
in the known world was shown in relatioinship to Rome, but in this case
the map centre was Jerusalem. Based on the writings of
Orosius, a 5th Century scholar and pupil of St. Augustine,
who wrote a great work confuting the beliefs of pagans (anyone who
was not a Christian). This great work, called the Ormesta
contained a description of the World, illustrated by the Mappa Mundi, was
intended as a compendium of all knowledge. This compendium was
based on earlier writings such as the Bible and works by the Roman
historian Pliny.

Drawings and descriptions illustrating Man's history and wonders of the
natural world can be seen superimposed on the geographical elements.
Although some desriptions of peoples such the Phanesii, who were
reputed to have very large ears in which they wrapped themselves to
keep warm, are at best fanciful, on the whole, the map is surprisingly
accurate, given there was no SatNav around in those days.
Appropriately, Hereford is shown by the River Wye, identified by its
cathedral.

Christ in Majesty is depicted at the top of the map, with angels to
his right and left summoning the blessed and turning away the
unrepentant. At Chirst's feet is the Vigin Mary pleading for those who
have shown her devotion. Various among the chosen are depicted,
including a king wearing his crown and in the background are
supplicants kneeling in prayer.

To the modern way of thought, its content seems so fanciful and
unbelievable that it is hard to connect it with the same people who built
huge cathedrals, castles & other monumental structures, still standing
today, and that they could have been so easily influenced by the maps
claims. It must be borne in mind however, that the vast majority of the
European population were largely illiterate and that the comforting
portrayal of Jesus Christ amongs the confusion and complexity of the
world, depicted in the map, may have been designed to show that there
was something steadfast worth believing in along the road to salvation.

To Bed and breakfast accomodation Ross on Wye