Heritage Malta Acquired 320-Year-Old World Map By Gozitan Scientist
A 320-year-old world map produced by a Gozitan has been acquired by Heritage Malta, and it will soon be part of the national collection in the Gozo Museum.
The map was produced by Gozitan Antonio Saliba and published by the Italian Mario Cartaro of Naples in 1582, Malta Independent reported.
Saliba was alive at the same time as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler, and was a Doctor of Philosophy.
With a degree in Canon and Civil law, Saliba was the first Maltese one to have his work printed since the printing press was invented.
He also excelled in mathematics, astronomy and astrology, and became the first Maltese scientist to earn international fame.
His world map was copied over and over again, with the original copy being preserved in Germany. The version purchased by Heritage Malta was published in the Netherlands around 1700.
Heritage Malta acquired it from a London dealer of rare books.
The map consists of nine rings that represent the world, depicting fires, comets, winds, clouds, people, houses and trees.
Share with someone who loves history
READ NEXT: Dun Karm Psaila, Malta’s National Poet, Was Born 150 Years Ago Today
