Scientists have discovered a black terracotta fragment the size of a postage stamp, depicting the heel of Italy. It is known as the Soleto map and dates back to 500 BC. 
The map illustrates the Salentine Peninsula in Puglia and was found two years ago during an excavation led by Belgian archaeologist Thierry van Compernolle from the University of Montpellier. However, the discovery was kept under wraps until researchers could validate its authenticity. “So far, this is the oldest geographical map ever discovered,” Compernolle stated.
It was exhibited for the first time last weekend at the National Archaeological Museum in Taranto, Italy. The ceramic fragment is inscribed in Greek and a local language known as Messapia.
“The map is unique in many ways. It depicts the coastline, creating a very recognizable area: the southern tip of the Salentine Peninsula, known in ancient times as Iapygia,” explained Mario Lombardo, a history professor at the University of Lecce.
The Ionian and Adriatic Seas on the opposite side of the peninsula are represented by parallel zig-zag lines. To the west, the recognizable country of Greece is indicated by the name Taras.
In total, the map depicts 13 towns marked by dots, similar to modern maps. Many of these towns, such as Otranto, Soleto, Ugento, Taranto, and Leuca, still exist today.
Researcher Lombardo believes that more than one hand contributed to the making of this map. “We can distinguish between locations written in lowercase and stylized script, while other parts are inscribed with geographical symbols and lack consistency,” Lombardo noted.
According to scholar Antonietta Dell’Aglio, the Soleto map attests to the significant relationship between the Messapia tribes and Greek culture.
M.T
