The Dutch Mapmakers Who Drew the World

Long before satellite imagery, the Dutch Republic's cartographers were the world's most precise mapmakers. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Amsterdam became the epicenter of mapmaking in the 17th century, focusing on the Blaeu family — Willem Janszoon Blaeu and his son Joan Blaeu — whose atlases were the Google Earth of their day. They discuss how the VOC and WIC relied on accurate charts for navigation, the rivalry between Blaeu and the competing Hondius–Janssonius firm, the craftsmanship behind engraved copper plates, and the business of selling maps to wealthy merchants. They also touch on the scandal of the Zeeuwse cartographer Hessel Gerritsz and the secret hydrographic office of the VOC. A story of science, art, and empire — all drawn to scale. #Blaeu #WillemJanszoonBlaeu #JoanBlaeu #AtlasMaior #DutchCartography #VOC #Amsterdam #GoldenAge #Hondius #Janssonius #HesselGerritsz #Mapmaking #HistoryOfMaps #17thCentury #Navigation #Empire #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo