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Diego Ribeiro

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description Diego Ribeiro Overview

Diego Ribeiro was a Portuguese cartographer and cosmographer who served the Spanish Crown in the early sixteenth century. He held the position of Royal Cosmographer and created several world maps, including a notable 1529 planisphere. His maps reflected the geographic knowledge of the period following the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal.

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What was Diego Ribeiro's most famous cartographic creation?

He is best known for his 1529 planisphere, officially known as the Weimar-Spanish map. It was a groundbreaking world map that applied the Treaty of Tordesillas division between Spanish and Portuguese spheres.

Which country did Diego Ribeiro work for as Royal Cosmographer?

Despite being born in Portugal, Ribeiro served the Spanish Crown. He was appointed Royal Cosmographer to King Charles I of Spain (also known as Holy Roman Emperor Charles V).

What geographical features did Diego Ribeiro's maps prioritize?

Because of the era's focus on exploration, his maps paid special attention to the newly explored coastlines of the Americas and the Pacific Ocean. He often left the interiors of continents blank, focusing strictly on coastal navigation routes and practical maritime data.

How did Diego Ribeiro contribute to the Casa de Contratación?

He worked at the Casa de Contratación in Seville, which was the central hub for Spanish overseas trade and mapmaking. He served as the chief pilot and updated the official master map, the Padrón Real, using reports from returning explorers.

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