PORTOLAN Meaning and
Definition
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A portolan is a type of navigational chart or map used by sailors during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is characterized by its systematic representation of coastlines, islands, and landmarks, as well as the use of compass roses and directional lines.
Portolans were primarily used by Mediterranean sailors and navigators, aiding them in plotting their course, determining distances, and avoiding dangerous shoals or sandbars. These charts provided a reliable reference for navigating along coastal routes, enabling seafarers to reach their destinations more safely and efficiently.
The word "portolan" is derived from the Italian term "portolano" (meaning "relating to ports"), which reflects the emphasis on harbor locations and coastal features in these maps. Portolans were typically drawn on parchment or vellum, with the coastlines depicted in great detail, including numerous fine lines indicating the contours of the shore. They often featured miniature illustrations of prominent landmarks, settlements, and ports, alongside brief textual descriptions.
Despite their accuracy and usefulness, portolans were not intended for long-distance oceanic voyages, as they focused primarily on coastal navigation. As European sailors started exploring new trade routes and expanding their voyages into the Atlantic and beyond, portolans gradually fell out of use, giving way to more sophisticated navigational instruments and methods. Nevertheless, these historical maps remain valuable artifacts, providing insights into medieval cartography, marine navigation practices, and the maritime world of the past.
Common Misspellings for PORTOLAN
- oortolan
- lortolan
- 0ortolan
- pirtolan
- pkrtolan
- plrtolan
- pprtolan
- p0rtolan
- p9rtolan
- poetolan
- podtolan
- poftolan
- pottolan
- po5tolan
- po4tolan
- porrolan
- porfolan
- porgolan
- poryolan
- por6olan
Etymology of PORTOLAN
The word "portolan" is derived from the Italian word "portolano", which translates to "port guide" or "port book" in English. The term originated from the Italian maritime tradition in the Middle Ages.
It is believed that the word has its roots in the Latin word "portus", meaning "port" or "harbor". The suffix "-ano" is a common ending in Italian used to create nouns and adjectives.
Portolans were navigational charts used by Mediterranean sailors during the 13th to 17th centuries. These charts depicted coastlines, ports, and other geographic features to aid mariners in their navigation. The term "portolan" eventually became synonymous with these maps and the art of navigating with them.
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