Isidore, Orosius and the Beatus Map

Abstract Beatus of Liébana's Commentary on the Apocalypse (Spain, 776) drew heavily on Tyconius’ Commentary (North Africa, late fourth century), which is a probable source for the world map Beatus used to show the apostolic dissemination of the Faith. A map based on Orosius’ Historiarum adversus paganos libri VII (Seven Books of History against the Pagans) is another possible model for Beatus’ map, and it would have differed only slightly from one following Isidore of Seville's Etymologiae. Surviving maps in Beatus Commentaries incorporate features from both sources. One notable feature from Isidore is an interior ocean separating a ‘fourth continent’ from the usual three parts of the ecumene. Contrary to common interpretation, this fourth part represents not an antoecumenical hemisphere but the southernmost zone of the inhabited world. Although the map in the Beatus codex now in Burgo de Osma (dated 1086) is usually recognised as the best witness to the original Beatus map, that in Morgan 644 (dated 940) may provide a more reliable guide.