Image Details

Eran Laor Cartographic Collection, Jewish National and University Library, Jerusalem

David and Solomon’s successful promotion of Jerusalem as the place where civilization began had long-term effects: Even in the 16th century, mapmakers showed Jerusalem at the center of the world. In this 1585 woodcut by Heinrich Buenting, the city appears as a perfect circle surrounded by the leaf-shaped continents of Europe, Asia and Africa (compare with “The Garden of Eden” by Erastus Salisbury Field).