The map mentioned in the content is a popular representation of the globalization of tea, showing the variations in words for tea across different regions. The author reflects on their fascination with maps and how they can both explain and simplify the world. However, the author also points out that many popular maps can be misleading and inaccurate. They highlight the flaws in the tea map, particularly in its coverage of Africa. The author then explores the influence of historical maps on events like World War I, using the example of the Battle of Cannae. They caution against taking maps at face value and emphasize the importance of questioning and studying real history. The author concludes by sharing their interest in using maps as teaching tools and recognizing their limitations in capturing the complexity of history.
https://resobscura.substack.com/p/historical-maps-probably-helped-cause