Hecataeus was one of the most popular researchers and geographers who hailed from Greece. Born in 550 BC, this reputed cartographer was known for his map of the inhabited world. Hecataeus was inspired by the cartographic contributions of Anaximander. He is also famed for his classical writing on the Greek heroic families.
Hecataeus lived during the era of Persian invasion in the city of Miletus. He extensively traveled to various countries like Egypt and utilized his acquired knowledge in the creation of the world map. The map of the world by Hecataeus is categorized into three parts as the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia. The important seas such as the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea feature as divisions between the three continents. The map is further subdivided into four quadrants.
The cartographic contributions of Hecataeus include distinctly defining the positions of the three continents for the first time. The schematic representations in the map was influenced by Anaximander’s map but were less accurate than his mentor.
Hecataeus is often accredited for the two volume book entitled Ges Periodos. The books contain coastal surveys on Europe and Asia. Genealogiai is another reputed work by Hecataeus.