description Tabula Rogeriana Overview
The Tabula Rogeriana is a world map created by the geographer Muhammad al-Idrisi for Roger II, the Norman king of Sicily, in 1154. It accompanied al-Idrisi's extensive geographical text and synthesized information from earlier writings, travelers, and contemporary observation. Like many medieval Islamic maps, its surviving sectional representations place south at the top, and together they describe much of the known world.
insights Ranking position
Tabula Rogeriana ranks #38 of 243 in the Manuscript ranking, behind Pearl Manuscript (Cotton Nero A.x), ahead of Bodmer Papyri P66.
help Tabula Rogeriana FAQ
Why is south at the top of the Tabula Rogeriana?
Al-Idrisi's geographical scheme uses a south-up orientation, unlike most modern European maps. Africa therefore appears above the Mediterranean, while northern Europe lies toward the bottom.
Who commissioned al-Idrisi to make the Tabula Rogeriana?
Roger II, the Norman king of Sicily, commissioned al-Idrisi's geographical project at his court in Palermo. It was completed in 1154 and accompanied a substantial descriptive text commonly known as the Book of Roger.
How did al-Idrisi gather information for the map?
He synthesized classical and Islamic geographical works with reports from merchants, travelers, and people questioned at the Sicilian court. The result combined inherited scholarship with contemporary knowledge of routes, cities, coasts, and regions.
Does Roger II's original silver world map survive?
No, the large silver planisphere described in connection with the project has not survived. Knowledge of the geography comes from manuscript copies of al-Idrisi's text and sectional maps produced in later centuries.
explore Explore More
Similar to Tabula Rogeriana
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
