The map, which was discovered in the remains of a Greek settlement near the town of Soleto, shows important roads, rivers, cities and even some of the region's natural features. It is believed to have been used as a navigational aid for traders and travelers.
The map was found by a team of Italian and British archaeologists led by Professor Lucrezia Ungaro from the University of Salento. They were excavating the remains of an ancient Greek settlement known as Messapian, which flourished in southern Italy between the 8th and 3rd centuries BC.
The map is a significant discovery as it provides evidence of advanced cartographic skills in the ancient world. It also sheds light on the trade networks and cultural exchanges that existed in the Mediterranean during this period.
According to Professor Ungaro, the map shows a level of detail and accuracy that was previously unknown in ancient maps. She said, "It is a remarkable find, not only because it is the oldest map of the western world, but also because of its sophistication and accuracy."
The map is divided into four sections, each representing a different area of Apulia. The roads are depicted as straight lines, while the rivers are shown as wavy lines. The cities are marked with small dots, and some of the natural features, such as the Gargano promontory and the Salento peninsula, are also depicted.
Although the map is small, it provides a wealth of information about the region, including the location of important cities such as Taranto, Brindisi, and Bari. It also shows the routes that were used to transport goods and people between these cities.
The map is believed to have been created by a skilled artisan, possibly a Greek potter, who had a good knowledge of the region. It is thought that the map was used by traders and travelers to navigate their way through the region, and to plan their journeys.
The Soleto Map is now on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Taranto, where it is attracting a lot of attention from visitors. Professor Ungaro hopes that the discovery of this ancient map will lead to further research and discoveries about the trade and cultural exchanges that took place in the Mediterranean during this period.