Charting the divine and the worldly: a comparative analysis of representation of religious symbolism in maps across the Medieval Mediterranean

Abstract

This thesis explores the use of religious symbolism in medieval Mediterranean cartography, comparing Islamic, Christian, and Jewish mapping traditions. By focusing on key works such as the Tabula Rogeriana, Catalan Atlas, and Book of Curiosities, it demonstrates how maps reflected both geographic knowledge and religious expression, culminating in sacred spatial representations. The study reveals how cross-cultural exchanges in the Mediterranean shaped symbolic depictions of sacred geography, leading to the development of distinct cartographic traditions. This comparative analysis underscores the role of maps in conveying religious and cultural identity during the Middle Ages, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Mediterranean.