Babylonian World Map (Imago Mundi), 6th Century BCE: World's Oldest Clay Tablet Map, Akkadian Cuneiform

Behold - perhaps the oldest map of the world, dating back to the Late Babylonian period in the 6th century BCE.

This clay tablet, also known as the Imago Mundi, was originally excavated in Iraq. You are not buying a clay tablet - this is a highly detailed, authentic and restored image of the tablet.

Embark on a journey back to the 6th century BCE with a Babylonian world map that offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient perceptions of the earth's geography. Crafted by an anonymous mapmaker, this map is a testament to the cartographic knowledge and artistic skill of its time. It portrays the world as a disc, encapsulated by the mythical "Bitter River," a concept that resonates with the cosmological views held by ancient civilizations. Central to this depiction is Babylon, illustrated not merely as a city but as a symbol of cultural and political significance during that era.

The Cartographic Style and Language of Antiquity

The map is distinguished by its use of Akkadian language and cuneiform script, hallmarks of one of the earliest known writing systems. This linguistic styling not only adds to the authenticity of the map but also provides a direct connection to the intellectual traditions of ancient Mesopotamia. The design elements, though rudimentary compared to modern standards, are a clear indication of the strides in geographic understanding and the abstraction capabilities of early cartographers. The inclusion of notable regions and bodies of water like the Mediterranean, the Caspian Sea, and the Nile River, among others, highlights the breadth of their geographic knowledge.

Historical Significance and Archaeological Discovery

This map's historical importance is magnified by its origins and discovery. Excavated by Hormuzd Rassam in the late 19th century in Iraq, the artifact found its way to the British Museum, where it has been preserved since 1882. Its journey from a buried relic to a celebrated historical document encapsulates a story of archaeological triumph and scholarly intrigue. The map serves not only as a piece of art but as a critical primary source that offers insights into the geopolitical and cultural landscapes of the time it represents.

A Confluence of Myth and Geography

The depiction of the world as a disc surrounded by the "Bitter River" is a compelling blend of mythological beliefs and geographical understanding. This map provides a unique lens through which to view the ancient world's interpretation of its surroundings, blending the known and the imagined. Such maps were not just tools for navigation but were also educational and philosophical, teaching contemporary and future generations about the structure of the world as understood in their time.

A Legacy Cast in Clay

Today, this map is more than just a historical artifact; it is a legacy cast in clay. It offers scholars, historians, and enthusiasts a tangible connection to the past, serving as a bridge to the rich history of human civilization and its unending quest to understand the world. Owning or viewing a piece like this map is not merely an acquisition of an antique but an immersion into the profound depths of human history and knowledge.

This "Map of the World" stands as a monumental testament to the human spirit's curiosity and our ancestors' endeavors to comprehend and depict their world, making it a priceless piece for any collector or enthusiast of historical maps.

Historical and design context

• Title: Map of the World
• Date: -600
• Mapmaker: Anonymous
• Topics and themes: Historically Informative Thematic map showing the world as a disc, surrounded by a ring of water called the "Bitter River"; "Babylon" is marked as a rectangle at the right end of the Euphrates.
• Design and style: The language is Akkadian and the script is cuneiform.
• Historical significance: The tablet was excavated by Hormuzd Rassam in Iraq, and it has been held by the British Museum since 1882.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.