1570May, 22
The first atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, is published with 70 maps.
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Latin: [tʰɛˈaːtrũː ˈɔrbɪs tɛˈrːaːrũː], "Theatre of the Orb of the World") is considered to be the first true modern atlas. Written by Abraham Ortelius, strongly encouraged by Gillis Hooftman and originally printed on 20 May 1570 in Antwerp, it consisted of a collection of uniform map sheets and supporting text bound to form a book for which copper printing plates were specifically engraved. The Ortelius atlas is sometimes referred to as the summary of sixteenth-century cartography. The publication of the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (1570) is often considered as the official beginning of the Golden Age of Netherlandish cartography (approximately 1570s–1670s).
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Events on 1570
- 27Apr
Regnans in Excelsis
Pope Pius V declares Queen Elizabeth I a heretic. - 20May
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
Cartographer Abraham Ortelius issues Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the first modern atlas. - 10Sep
Ajacán Mission
Spanish Jesuit missionaries land in present-day Virginia to establish the short-lived Ajacán Mission.