A History of Printed Globe Gores: From Antiquity to the Modern Era
2025-04-01
This article traces the history of printed globe gores, the pre-assembled map sections used to create globes, from 150 BC to the 20th century. From the earliest known globe by Cratus of Mallus to Martin Waldseemüller's groundbreaking 1507 printed gores (featuring the first appearance of 'America' on a map), the article details the evolution of globe-making techniques. It highlights key figures like Gerard Mercator, who improved the printing process with copper engraving, and Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, famed for his colossal globes. The evolution of globe gore features, such as the ecliptic line and equatorial coordinates, is also explored.
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