That 1893 map showing 'Germania' instead of Germany

Always thought those old names were just mistakes. Then I read about the unification timeline and realized it was accurate for pre-1871 borders. Anyone else find a map that was technically right for its year?

2 comments

2 Comments

pat_murray1615d ago

Wait, is it really "technically right" to call it Germania on a map from 1893? That's a stretch. Germania was a Roman-era term for a broad region, not a state. By 1893, the German Empire had been around for over two decades with clear borders, so labeling it Germania feels more like a quirky artistic choice than historical accuracy. You wouldn't call France "Gaul" on a map from 1870 just because it used to be that way. Maps from that time were often full of romanticized names and errors, so I doubt the cartographer was making a careful statement about pre-1871 politics. Maybe it's just a mistake that looks smart in hindsight.

angelaellis15d ago

Damn @pat_murray16, are you saying cartographers back then just made up names for fun?