Mappae Mundi

Mappae Mundi were maps created in the Medieval times. They were very symbolic maps and were based upon christianity. The most typical form was created in the Middle Ages. It was called the T-O map. The map consisted of three continents divided by seas, East was on top and Jerusalem at the center. The map above is a modern Mappae Mundi created for the Dover Castle. This is one of the first attemps to create a modern medieval map. The Mappa Mundi above has been re-created using paint made from ground up lapis lazuli (rare semi-precious stone) , malachite(copper carbonate mineral), a pigment known as 'dragon's blood', ink from oak galls, and 23.5 carat gold leaf. It was painted on a three foot by four foot handcrafted calfskin.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/5709231/12th-century-Mappa-Mundi-recreated-for-Dover-Castle.html