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

Babylon π’†π’€­π’Šπ’† 

1497 implied HN points β€’ 20 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific location.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, showing that exclusive content is available on the platform.
  3. M. E. Rothwell is the author of the post, offering insights into Babylon through a unique lens.

Kamchatka

1457 implied HN points β€’ 06 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Cartography Photography Poetry
  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. To access this post, you need to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.
  3. The post features content centered around Kamchatka and includes contributions from M. E. Rothwell.

Havana

1397 implied HN points β€’ 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.

Tashkent

1298 implied HN points β€’ 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.

The Streets of Sarajevo

1397 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Photography
  1. The author shares a post about their experience in Sarajevo and traveling to Split, Croatia.
  2. Some places we visit are only brief stops in our journey, leaving us with memories of interesting backdrops.
  3. The post seems to be available for paid subscribers only, encouraging readers to subscribe for more content.
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From Many, One

738 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
β›ͺ 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.

City of the Parisii

1178 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ 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.

Lesotho

1238 implied HN points β€’ 05 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The content is part of an Atlas' Notes series, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific locations.
  2. Viewing the full post or subscribing may require payment.
  3. The post includes visual elements like images to enhance the content.

York

1118 implied HN points β€’ 02 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Poetry Photography Cartography
  1. This post is part of the Atlas’ Notes series on Cosmographia, centered around a specific place with a mix of art, poetry, and literature.
  2. The content in the post is exclusive for paid subscribers of Cosmographia, offering a deeper dive into a particular topic.
  3. The post features work by M. E. Rothwell and provides a link for interested readers to subscribe to access more content.

The Story of the Ice Balloon

1078 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 23
πŸ’Ύ History Exploration Tragedy Discovery Adventure Mystery
  1. The story highlights the fine line between courage and folly. AndrΓ©e's bold expedition to the North Pole by hot air balloon ultimately ended in tragedy.
  2. The late 19th century was the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration,' with individuals like Scott and Shackleton driven by a fervor to conquer the poles.
  3. The ill-fated journey of Andrée, Strindberg, and Frænkel serves as a cautionary tale about ambition, courage, and the consequences of daring exploration.

Crimea

1078 implied HN points β€’ 09 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Culture Literature Photography
  1. The post is about Crimea and is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. The content seems to be for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes a link to subscribe to Cosmographia and a prompt to sign in for existing paid subscribers.

The Road to Sarajevo

1038 implied HN points β€’ 06 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Exploration Destinations Experiences
  1. The post titled 'The Road to Sarajevo' is part of a series on Bosnia & Herzegovina.
  2. The content includes picturesque descriptions of the night sky and waters, creating a vivid image for readers.
  3. Access to the full post is restricted to paid subscribers.

Tunis

1018 implied HN points β€’ 16 Aug 23
🎨 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 a specific place.
  2. The content is part of a paid subscription on Cosmographia's website, requiring a subscription to access the full post.
  3. The post includes a variety of visual content like images, making it visually engaging and likely exploring the theme of Tunis.

The Moleskine Notebooks: Lake Baikal

1018 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Verse Cartography Literature Photography
  1. Lake Baikal is the world's most ancient, deepest, and largest freshwater lake, with fascinating dimensions and history.
  2. Vladimir Tomilovsky, a Russian artist, captured the beauty of Lake Baikal through his landscape paintings, influenced by his experiences in Siberia.
  3. Kate Marsden's remarkable journey in search of a leprosy-curing herb in Yakutsk, documented with a map, showcases the determination and challenges faced by an English nurse in the 19th century.

Blood on the Seine

838 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 23
πŸ’Ύ History European history Art history
  1. Paris evolved from a Gaulish settlement to a significant city under various rulers like Clovis I and Charlemagne.
  2. Charlemagne, known as the Father of Europe, made Aachen his permanent capital, shifting attention from Paris.
  3. After Charlemagne's reign, Paris experienced a decline in political significance and development, facing new threats like Viking invasions.

Faroe Islands

958 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Exploration Culture Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series by Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific locations like the Faroe Islands.
  2. The content seems to be meant for paid subscribers, as indicated by the subscription prompt and sign-in options.
  3. The featured imagery suggests a visually engaging exploration of the Faroe Islands through different forms of art and storytelling.

Europa Regina

579 implied HN points β€’ 05 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology History Paintings
  1. Europe is said to be named after Europa, a Phoenician Princess from Greek mythology who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a bull.
  2. Europa bore Zeus three sons who played significant roles in mythology, such as Minos, King of Crete, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon who fought in the Trojan War.
  3. The story of Europa and Zeus showcases a classic mythological tale of love, seduction, and divine descent, contributing to the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.

Dickensian London

778 implied HN points β€’ 29 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Classics Historical Fiction Author analysis London 19th century
  1. Charles Dickens' portrayal of 19th century London captures the essence of the city through its streets, alleys, and society, reflecting the city's ongoing metamorphosis.
  2. 19th century London experienced significant growth due to the Industrial Revolution, resulting in a juxtaposition of opulence and poverty with challenges like pollution and overcrowding.
  3. Dickens' unique approach of portraying the reality of London's streets with characters from all walks of life sets him apart as a literary great and keen observer of the city's resilience and spirit.

Tianshan Mountains 倩山

718 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History Travel Literature
  1. The post discusses the Tianshan Mountains and presents a guest edition of the Moleskine Notebooks by Alexander's Cartographer.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, showing a focus on exclusive material.
  3. Alexander's Cartographer writes about the history of Eurasia, Antiquity, translations of Russian texts, travelogues in Central Asia, and Medieval Chronicles.

Notes from Montenegro

718 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Exploration Culture
  1. The post is about Notes from Montenegro by M. E. Rothwell, available on cosmographia.substack.com.
  2. There is a new project announced called The Books That Made Us, exploring foundational books that shaped favorite writers.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers, but there is an option to subscribe and read the content.

The Dead Sea ים Χ”ΧžΧœΧ—

698 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Photography Literature Cartography
  1. The post is about The Dead Sea and is part of a series called Atlas' Notebook featuring art, poetry, literature, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. This post is for paid subscribers, and it encourages readers to subscribe to access the full content.
  3. The author, M. E. Rothwell, shares insights and content related to The Dead Sea through their publication on Substack.

The Course of Empire

658 implied HN points β€’ 15 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Paintings Civilization Evolution Literature
  1. The Colosseum's grandeur cannot truly be appreciated until seen in person, highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of ancient structures
  2. Historical patterns suggest that great civilizations may eventually decline due to lowered moral standards, cynicism, and frivolity, prompting reflection on the lessons of the past for modern societies
  3. The Course of Empire art series by Thomas Cole illustrates the rise and fall of civilizations, offering a visual representation of the cyclical nature of human history

The Man and his Mountain

639 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The post revolves around a poem titled 'The Man and his Mountain' by M. E. Rothwell.
  2. The content seems to delve into imagery of nature and self-reflection.
  3. Access to the full post is available to paid subscribers only.

Rex Romae: Blood and Beauty

619 implied HN points β€’ 08 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ History Ancient History Leaders Mythology Art
  1. Early Rome was ruled by Kings called 'rex', with Romulus being the first King who founded Rome in 753 BC. The city remained a kingdom until the Republic was born in 509 BC.
  2. There were supposed to be seven Kings in total according to Roman tradition, even though early records are lost. Historical accounts by Livy and Plutarch, though sometimes unreliable, provide captivating stories about these Kings.
  3. Numa Pompilius, chosen as King after Romulus, is known for his peaceful reign where he established religious and political institutions in Rome and created the city's first codified laws said to be dictated by a nymph named Egeria.

Fratricidal Foundation

579 implied HN points β€’ 22 Sep 23
πŸ’Ύ History Ancient Rome Mythology Literature Art
  1. The post discusses the legend of Rome's founding through the story of Aeneas and his descendants, connecting the narrative gaps and adding legitimacy to Roman origins.
  2. The next chapter explores the legends of Rome's founding as portrayed by Ovid, Livy, Plutarch, and various artists throughout history, depicting wolves, fratricide, rape, and war.
  3. The legend of Rome's founding is rich with tales of familial conflict and historical significance, as depicted by various ancient writers and artists.

Fiji

579 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of an 'Atlas' Notes' series that focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place like Fiji.
  2. The content seems to be only accessible to paid subscribers of Cosmographia, requiring a subscription to view the full post.
  3. The post includes a link to subscribe for those interested in accessing the complete content and becoming paid subscribers.

Notes from Albania

559 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Exploration
  1. The article is about traveling to Albania and seeing London from above as the plane flies over the city and towards the North Sea.
  2. To access the full article and other content by the author, readers need to be paid subscribers.
  3. The author is M. E. Rothwell on the cosmographia.substack.com platform, sharing insights on Albania and more.

Svalbard

499 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Exploration Culture
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, featuring art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography focused on a specific place.
  2. Access to the full content of the post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes a link to subscribe or sign in for paid subscribers.

What is it like to live in Tuscany for a month?

439 implied HN points β€’ 28 Apr 23
🏝 Travel
  1. Living in Tuscany offers a serene experience with its undulating hills, ancient villages, stone, vine, oil, and wine.
  2. The Tuscan spring is beautifully depicted in the post, showcasing the slow-moving lifestyle and the picturesque views.
  3. The essence of Tuscany as a place where time seems to stand still is captured in the ambiance and lifestyle highlighted in the text.

The Wrath of God Lies Sleeping

419 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction
  1. The post discusses 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy, delving into its dark themes and vivid descriptions.
  2. The content is available only for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive access to in-depth analysis or special content.
  3. The author, M. E. Rothwell, provides a captivating preview of the post with a descriptive excerpt from the book.

The Traveller's Inferno

419 implied HN points β€’ 14 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Travel
  1. The post discusses a journey through the nine circles of tourist hell, inspired by Dante Alighieri's work.
  2. The author is in Tuscany reading the work of Dante Alighieri to immerse themselves in the local culture.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers, offering more exclusive content for those who subscribe.

Macau

399 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Literature Photography Poetry Cartography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to detailed and curated material.
  3. The post promotes the full map of Cosmographia, encouraging engagement, subscriptions, and sign-ins for existing paid subscribers.

Albania: Then and Now

359 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Comparison History
  1. The post discusses contrasting Edward Lear's paintings of Albania with modern photography, offering insight into the changes over time.
  2. Art has the power to reveal aspects of a country's past and history, providing a unique perspective on cultural evolution.
  3. The post is intended for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content related to Albania's visual representations.

The River Thames

359 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Literature Photography
  1. The River Thames is the lifeblood of London, weaving together history, culture, and commerce, shaping London's identity for centuries.
  2. The Thames has been a strategic hub for trade, commerce, and human settlement for thousands of years, witnessing various historical events.
  3. The river has inspired countless artists, poets, and writers, with its ever-changing moods captured in works of art and literature, leaving a lasting impact on cultural cartography.

A Map of Cosmographia

159 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Geography Mythology Anthropology Art
  1. Our time on earth is limited, so we should make the most of it by learning and exploring.
  2. The world is full of beauty, from diverse cultures to fascinating stories.
  3. Cosmography aims to unite various disciplines like history, geography, anthropology, and more into one grand endeavor.