Babylonian Map of the World: The oldest known map of the ancient world

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Map of the World as Described by the Babylonians ("View of the World" in Latin)

A clay tablet inscribed with the oldest known cartographical representation of the ancient world

Abu Habba, an ancient city in the Babylonian civilization, located in the modern-day country of Iraq.

Around 600 years before Christ.

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What it reveals about the past:

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Interestingly, cartographers may have taken some liberties. For example, "Babylon" is indicated on only one edge of the Euphrates, even though it covered both banks for much of its history.

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The back of the map contains additional text describing eight outer regions, known as nagu, which are each briefly described.

The tablet, which measures 4.8 inches tall by 3.2 inches wide (12.2 by 8.2 centimeters), is part of the British Museum's permanent collection.