Cosmographia

Cosmographia is a Substack focused on exploring locations worldwide through the lenses of history, myth, and art. It integrates various creative elements like art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography, all centered on specific places, offering insights into their cultural and historical significance. The content is premium, accessible to paid subscribers.

Art and Culture History Mythology Literature Poetry Cartography Photography Cultural Significance Travel

The hottest Substack posts of Cosmographia

And their main takeaways

Love

1098 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Love Classic literature Quotes
  1. Love can be described in various forms through art, literature, and quotes. These expressions often capture the essence of deep emotions and connections.
  2. Famous writers and artists have beautifully conveyed the power and complexity of love through their work, offering insights into human relationships and sentiments.
  3. Love is portrayed as a force that transcends time and circumstance, exhibiting qualities of passion, devotion, and steadfastness.

Yukon River

1158 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Art Verse Cartography Literature Photography
  1. The Yukon River is named after the color of the glacial runoff that feeds it, and it travels almost 2000 miles from British Columbia to the Bering Sea, draining a land area 25% larger than the State of Texas.
  2. Robert W. Service, known as the 'Bard of the Yukon,' was a Scottish-Canadian writer and poet who spent years in the Yukon wilderness, inspired by the Goldrush.
  3. The Yukon River is home to the longest salmon run in the world, with king salmon traveling two thousand miles against the current to return to their spawning grounds and then die, exhausted from their journey.

Borobudur ꦕꦤ꧀ꦝꦶꦧꦫꦧꦸꦝꦸꦂ

1198 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Photography Cartography Verse
  1. Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple, remains a mystery in terms of its origins, being built with 1 million stones weighing 100kg each.
  2. The temple's construction in a Hindu area, far from Buddhist thought, and its sudden decline after completion add to the curiosity surrounding its purpose.
  3. Borobudur's significance goes beyond its structure, shedding light on the ancient Javanese society, their resources, and devotion to a peaceful philosophy.

Kraków

1597 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Art Verse Cartography Literature Photography
  1. The founding legend of Kraków involves a cobbler's apprentice named Krak who cleverly defeated a dragon that terrorized the land.
  2. Kraków has been an inspiration to many artists, poets, and writers, with its beauty and history influencing pieces of literature, art, and photography.
  3. Poland's history is marked by partitions and invasions, leading to a period of Great Emigration, and subsequent efforts by Poles to fight for freedom and independence.

Cappadocia

1657 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Destination
  1. The post is about Cappadocia and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia.
  2. The content includes art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography focused on a specific place.
  3. Access to the full post is for paid subscribers only.
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The Mountains of the Moon

499 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Exploration Geography
  1. Terra Phantasma is a new series exploring mysterious 'phantom lands' on ancient maps.
  2. The origin of the River Nile has puzzled great figures throughout history, with different theories and stories.
  3. Historical figures like Herodotus and Claudius Ptolemy have contributed differing explanations about the source of the River Nile.

Into the Woods

898 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nature Spirituality
  1. The woods evoke a childlike wonder, making us feel small and allowing our minds to wander freely in a peaceful environment.
  2. In today's society, humans spend very little time connecting with nature, emphasizing the importance of taking time to venture into the woods and away from modern distractions.
  3. Exploring the woods brings a sense of tranquility and a break from the busyness of daily life, encouraging us to disconnect from screens and immerse ourselves in the natural world.

Petra

1557 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Photography Cartography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific places.
  2. This post is for paid subscribers of Cosmographia, offering exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
  3. Samantha Childress, an American essayist living in Amman, Jordan, wrote a guest post featured in this publication.

The Ring of Fire

1697 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Photography Cartography
  1. The post is titled 'The Ring of Fire' and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
  3. The author of the post is M. E. Rothwell, and it was published on February 25, 2024, with a link to their profile for further exploration.

Death is the Mother of Beauty

1837 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The post discusses the concept that 'Death is the Mother of Beauty'. (Henry's quote 'Death is the mother of beauty' is intriguing and prompts reflection on the relationship between life's transient nature and its beauty.)
  2. The post is part of the 'Venus’ Notebook' series on Cosmographia. (The 'Venus' Notebook' series on Cosmographia explores various beautiful things and adds to the charm of the publication.)
  3. The content is for paid subscribers only. (This exclusive content is reserved for paid subscribers, indicating the value and depth of insights shared.)

Giant’s Causeway

1797 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Exploration Adventure Location
  1. The post is about Giant's Causeway and is part of an Atlas' Notebook series from Cosmographia.
  2. The content includes art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific location.
  3. It seems that to access the full post, one needs to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.

The Descent of Man

658 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ancient Texts Mythology
  1. Lineage was highly significant for ancient Israelites, connecting them to their divine covenant and promising them a land and a future Messiah.
  2. Genealogies in the Hebrew Bible were not just lists of names, but keys to understanding one's place in God's plan, serving to preserve their sense of self and identity amidst external threats.
  3. The descendants of Noah's sons, as detailed in the 'Table of Nations' in Genesis, were believed to repopulate the world and carry forward the sacred bloodlines after the Great Flood.

Heliopolis

1897 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, with an invitation to subscribe for access to the full post.
  3. The post features M. E. Rothwell and includes a collection of images for engagement with the audience.

Snæfellsjökull

1537 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Literature Photography
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notes on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers of the Cosmographia newsletter, showcasing a mix of creative content related to the location Snæfellsjökull.
  3. The post features images and links to subscribe or sign in for paid subscribers to access exclusive content related to Snæfellsjökull in the Atlas' Notes series.

Edinburgh

2036 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Poetry Photography Cartography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place like Edinburgh.
  2. To access the full content of this post, you need to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.
  3. The post by M.E. Rothwell was published on January 25, 2024, and includes a rich blend of creative elements related to Edinburgh.

The Flood

718 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Art History
  1. Many cultures worldwide have flood myths that share similar motifs, such as a great flood cleansing the earth and only a select few surviving, prompting researchers to question the origins of these stories.
  2. Some theories suggest that flood myths may stem from a distant cultural memory of a cataclysmic event like a prehistoric flood, while others propose that these myths date back to a primordial story before global dispersal of peoples.
  3. Analytical psychologist Carl Jung believed that recurring myths like the flood archetype reflect universal, innate aspects of the human subconscious, influencing human behavior in profound ways.

What actually is Cosmography?

2056 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. Cosmography is the study of the universe and its features, and its roots trace back centuries through various works by different authors.
  2. The post discusses plans for the publication "Cosmographia" in 2024, indicating potential upcoming content and developments in the field.
  3. Access to the full post and its insights seems to be restricted to paid subscribers, implying exclusive content behind a paywall.

Lhasa ལྷ་ས

1937 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Photography Cartography Poetry
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notebook, which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place. This particular post is centered on Lhasa.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to detailed and curated information about Lhasa and other related topics.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to Cosmographia to access the full content and enjoy other similar posts in the future.

Jerusalem in Paint

1118 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art History
  1. The post is about 'Jerusalem in Paint' and is a special guest edition by George Bothamley.
  2. George Bothamley writes about history's greatest artists and their masterpieces in his Art Every Day substack.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers, and there is a link to subscribe for more content from George Bothamley.

Pandæmonium

678 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Religious texts Cosmology Theology
  1. The post discusses the fall of Lucifer and his rebellion against God in heaven, leading to his ultimate downfall and banishment to a hellish abyss.
  2. It explores the concept of eternal damnation for those who follow in Lucifer's rebellious footsteps.
  3. The post hints at the ominous and hopeless fate that awaits those who enter the described underworld, echoing themes from various religious and literary works.

Tlaxcala

1497 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on cosmographia.substack.com, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. Access to the full post is reserved for paid subscribers.
  3. The post by M. E. Rothwell on Tlaxcala was published on Jan 16, 2024.

How did the Holy Land come to be holy?

1577 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religions History
  1. The Holy Land holds significant cultural, political, and spiritual importance for 3.8 billion people of different religions.
  2. The land has seen the rule of various empires throughout history and is central to the beliefs of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
  3. The association of a physical place with values and identity shapes our sense of self, and nowhere is this link more profound than in the Holy Land.

Avengers, Architecture!

1956 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Architecture
  1. The post discusses the architecture guide that Avengers fans never knew they needed.
  2. It mentions a humorous post by Tom Fish about Gaudí's architecture in Barcelona.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only.

Where was the Garden of Eden?

698 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious texts
  1. The Garden of Eden was a bountiful paradise created by God for the first humans, Adam and Eve. They lived in harmony with nature until they were tempted to eat forbidden fruit, leading to their expulsion from Eden.
  2. The story of the Garden of Eden has inspired literature and art over the years, showcasing themes of temptation, knowledge, and the consequences of actions.
  3. Despite being banished from Eden, humans have been captivated by the idea of finding it again to possibly regain favor with God and return to a state of paradise.

Sápmi // Lapland

1657 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🏝 Travel World
  1. The post is part of the Atlas’ Notes series, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place like Sápmi // Lapland.
  2. Access to the full content of the post is available for paid subscribers only, and there is an option to subscribe to Cosmographia for access.
  3. The post by M. E. Rothwell on Cosmographia is tagged as Edition XLVIII and has 83 likes.

The Khyber Pass

1976 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Photography
  1. The post discusses 'The Khyber Pass' and is part of the 'Atlas' Notes' series.
  2. The content includes an artwork, poem, literature excerpt, antique map, and photography related to a specific location.
  3. Access to the full post is available for paid subscribers only.

Shiraz شیراز

2116 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Fashion & Beauty
  1. The post is a special guest edition of the Moleskine Notebooks, featuring a writer who shares a love for Rūmī.
  2. Access to the post is for paid subscribers only, with an option to subscribe or sign in if already a paid subscriber.
  3. The guest writer, kd, is a Persian-American mystic living in NYC after leaving Austin due to bachelorette party influx.

The Calm

1158 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Paintings Literature
  1. The ocean remains a mystery as most of the Earth's surface is water. Even though we've explored more of Mars than our oceans, we're still drawn to the sea.
  2. Water plays a significant role in various beliefs, stories, and artworks. It symbolizes mystery, life, love, and even catastrophe.
  3. Throughout history, the ocean has captivated artists, writers, and thinkers, inspiring profound reflections on its vastness and impact on human existence.

From Many, One

738 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Theology History Monotheism
  1. The concept of monotheism, the belief in one supreme deity, is a relatively recent development in human history, with many cultures historically believing in multiple gods and spirits.
  2. Monotheism marked a significant shift in theological traditions, particularly when the Israelites proclaimed the existence of only one God, breaking away from millennia of polytheistic beliefs.
  3. The idea of 'From Many, One' reflects the evolution from diverse beliefs in multiple gods to the concept of a singular, all-powerful deity, which has shaped major religious doctrines and scriptures.

Saxony

1597 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Photography Poetry Literature Cartography
  1. The post is about Saxony, featuring art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around this specific place.
  2. The content is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, available for paid subscribers.
  3. The post includes a mix of creative elements like art, poetry, and photography focused on highlighting Saxony.

The Storm

1078 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Paintings Literature Artists Nature
  1. The sea holds both beauty and danger, shaping human history through travel, trade, and artistic inspiration.
  2. Artists use paintings and literature to capture the essence of the sea's dual nature, from its nurturing qualities to its destructive power.
  3. The fascination with the sea stems from its role in human exploration and adventure, despite the risks and tragedies it has brought.

Jericho

1637 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, showcasing art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography focused on a specific place.
  2. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, indicating a premium value for those who subscribe to the platform.
  3. Readers can explore a variety of creative works and insights about Jericho through this post and the Atlas' Notebook series.

The Kingdom of Kush 𓎡𓄿𓈙𓈉

1238 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
💾 History Ancient Civilization Art Literature Photography Cartography
  1. The post is about The Kingdom of Kush and is part of the Atlas' Notes series which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, showcasing a full map of Cosmographia and offering a sign-in option for existing paid subscribers.
  3. The content offers a blend of visuals and written material, creating an immersive experience for those interested in exploring The Kingdom of Kush.

The Moleskine Notebooks: Mt. Fuji

1557 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Exploration
  1. The post is a repost of the second edition of the Moleskine Notebooks, originally shared in January.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to the material.
  3. The author is taking a break and reposting older content while traveling.

Punjab ਪੰਜਾਬ

1218 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Photography History Religion
  1. The name "Punjab" translates to 'The Land of Five Waters,' referring to specific rivers.
  2. Punjab was the site of one of the earliest urban societies, the Indus Valley Civilisation.
  3. Punjab has a rich history with significant cultural, artistic, and literary contributions.

Tashkent

1298 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Literature Photography Poetry Cartography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography based on a specific location.
  2. Access to the full content of this post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. M. E. Rothwell is the author featured in this post on Tashkent.

County Galway

2096 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Literature Poetry Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific location like County Galway.
  2. The content seems to be exclusive for paid subscribers, with options available for subscription or for existing paid subscribers to sign in.
  3. The post also includes engaging visuals, such as images, that enhance the storytelling and overall experience for the readers.

Havana

1397 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Photography Literature Art
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. Access to the full content requires a subscription - this post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. M. E. Rothwell is the author of this post on Havana, published on October 11, 2023, on Cosmographia.

City of the Parisii

1178 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
💾 History Paris Maps
  1. Nicolas Delamare's work on Parisian history through maps provides a detailed snapshot of the city's evolution from ancient times to 18th-century Paris.
  2. The Parisii, a Celtic tribe, built a prosperous settlement on the banks of the Seine River, minting their own gold coins before Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul.
  3. Julius Caesar's strategic battle against the Parisii, involving alliances and tactical maneuvers, exemplifies Roman military prowess in conquering ancient settlements.