2026 ANTIQUE MAPS WALL CALENDAR

For centuries, explorers, merchants, and military forces have turned to maps to navigate and describe the world. While historical maps were carefully crafted, their layout reveals just a part of the story. Often relying on limited data and anecdotal evidence, cartographers included imaginative elements—mythical creatures, allegorical figures, and ships—to spark curiosity. These maps, sometimes based on places they never visited, were both functional and fascinating. Discover the rich world of antique maps from the British Library’s collection, offering a glimpse into the cartographic imagination of the past.