Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #artvsreallife
Most recents (1)
Ever wondered why North is at the top of our maps?
If you're assuming there are logical, scientific, Nature-driven reasons for it - yeah, I did too.
In fact, they're whimsical, arbitrary or just plain ridiculous.
Hold onto your hat. This may turn your world upside-down.
(1/)
If you're assuming there are logical, scientific, Nature-driven reasons for it - yeah, I did too.
In fact, they're whimsical, arbitrary or just plain ridiculous.
Hold onto your hat. This may turn your world upside-down.
(1/)
We start in 1154 AD. Arab geographer Muhammad al-Idrisi is about to publish a very special book. A book describing the entire known world.
It's as heavy on calculations as it is on narrative.
And thanks to a map made of solid silver, just plain *heavy*.
(2/)
It's as heavy on calculations as it is on narrative.
And thanks to a map made of solid silver, just plain *heavy*.
(2/)
This map was astoundingly accurate for its time.
Al-Idrisi calculated the circumference of the world to be 37,000 km (22,900 mi). That’s less than 10% short of the correct figure.
Parts of the book were still considered authoritative at the turn of the 20th Century.
(3/)
Al-Idrisi calculated the circumference of the world to be 37,000 km (22,900 mi). That’s less than 10% short of the correct figure.
Parts of the book were still considered authoritative at the turn of the 20th Century.
(3/)
