The Face of the World

We hold the face of the world in our hands - as a map of the earth. We know where the mountains are, where rivers flow, and deserts spread out, even though we have never been there.

Medieval sailors mistrusted the open sea and sailed along the coast, orienting themselves by distinctive rocks, trees, and mountains.

The modern era was the epoch of European world conquest. On the maps of the time, the discovered islands and countries were given names that are still used today.