Cosmography

Cosmography cosmography or (Greek kósmos " universe ", gráphein " write") is the science of the description of the earth and of the universe. Until the 17th century the term was used as a precursor or synonymous with geography (eg in the Cosmography of Ravenna from the 7th century ).

The medieval cosmography covered the areas of geography, geology and astronomy. The work of the cosmographer contained historical, spiritual, and moral- evaluative aspects. The cosmography explored here is the relationship of man to his world, there were regions of the earth, among others, described as " vicious " or more " beneficial ". About constellations opportunities and risks of the inner nature of man were trying to interpret.

The famous cosmographer the early modern period ( Mercator, and others) developed the cosmography increasingly in the direction of modern science: geography, surveying, cartography and astronomy. From this period ( after 1500 ) the first globes and cartographic representations of the then newly discovered continents come. Some of the cosmographer the early 16th century had to defend their work against heretics allegations of the Catholic Inquisition.

Famous cosmographer

Geographer of Ravenna ( 7th century )
Martin Behaim (1459-1507)
Martin Waldseemüller (ca. 1470-1521 )
Sebastian Münster (1488-1552)
Peter Apian (1495-1552)
Gerhard Mercator (1512-1594)
Livio Sanuto (1520-1576)
Ignazio Danti (1536-1586)
Alain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706)
Vincenzo Maria Coronelli (1660-1718)