Ask mapman[TM].Long before people could read or write, they painted maps on cave walls. Indeed, the impulse to represent spatial relationships visually--in maps--predates all written language systems. The earliest examples of picture maps were created toward the end of the Paleolithic period Paleolithic period (pā'lēəlĭth`ĭk, –lēō–, păl'–) or Old Stone Age, the earliest period of human development and the longest phase of mankind's history. , or prehistory prehistory, period of human evolution before writing was invented and records kept. The term was coined by Daniel Wilson in 1851. It is followed by protohistory, the period for which we have some records but must still rely largely on archaeological evidence to (which began about 2.5 million years ago and lasted until 6000 B.C.). Back then, people lived closer to nature and depended upon hunting and gathering for their food. Several surviving maps from that era show the location of hunting grounds, neighboring tribes, and living quarters. One inquiring reader wants to go back in time when people on the move left their mark on the wall. Justin W., of New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. , wants to know about prehistoric maps. Q: How old are maps? A: According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. historians of cartography cartography: see map. cartography or mapmaking Art and science of representing a geographic area graphically, usually by means of a map or chart. Political, cultural, or other nongeographic features may be superimposed. (mapmaking), the first datable picture map is a six-foot-wide wall painting (above) from about 6200 B.C. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It was discovered at Catalhuyuk (chah-tahl-hoo-YOOK), an archaeological site near Konya, Turkey. Because the rectangular mud-brick houses found at the site match those on the painting, experts believe it is the map of a Stone Age settlement--probably Catalhuyuk itself. |
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