Tuesday, January 15, 2008The Catalhoyuk MapCatalhoyuk is a place in Ankara, where archeologists found an ancient settlement. This image is a recreation of a painting found in the site, depicting the structure of the settlement and an erupting volcano in the background. It is often referred to as the "oldest map" (so far). Why is it so interesting? Well, for starters, this map pre-dates writing. But what I find most interesting is the fact that it is a 2D, aerial representation of the city, rather than a landscape painting of their houses. It is, in fact, an abstract representation of the spatial surroundings. Unlike other neolithic paintings, which depict animals from the point of view of the hunters, the Catalhoyuk map shows the city from a viewpoint held by none.