Mediaeval Symposium: Mappa Mundi
When and Where
Description
Mappa mundi: Mapping the Mediaeval World will explore that mediaeval Europe from two perspectives: how mediaeval people configured their world and how mediaevalists are employing mapping to better understand that world. In the Middle Ages there were various types of maps intended to illustrate different ideas: the earth’s spherical shape complemented by continents (generally Europe, Asia, Africa, and an unknown continent, referred to as the Antipodes). Maps could depict holy sites and pilgrimage routes or different people, animals and even the unknown creatures that might inhabit space out of sight, just beyond the earth’s margins: “hic sunt dracones” (Here be dragons!). Our exploration of mediaeval mapping will take us across the mediaeval Europe and beyond, demonstrating just how well-travelled mediaeval people were. Some maps could be used in battle, others were for trade, and till mapped the seas. We will also move into micro spaces, mapping cities, and even neighbourhoods, to better understand mediaeval people’s daily lives and the challenges they could face from nature and society.
Hosted by Jacqueline Murray, University Professor Emerita, University of Guelph; Fellow, St. Michael’s College; and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Mediaeval Symposium: Mappa Mundi: Mapping the Mediaeval World
Details
Delivery: In-person
Date: Saturday, April 11th, 2026 – registration deadline Friday, March 27
Time: Registration: 8:30 am / Symposium: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Location: Lectures: Charbonnel Lounge, Elmsley Hall, 81 St. Mary St / Lunch: Romero Room, Loretto College, 70 St. Mary St
Cost: $150 (includes HST, coffee/tea and a medieval lunch) (register here)
Speakers
James Ginther
Professor of Mediaeval Theology, Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College
Trading with Strangers in a Strange World: An Unnoticed Marine Map of the Mediaeval World.
Renée R. Trilling
Angus Cameron Professor of Old English, Centre for Medieval Studies / Department of English, University of Toronto
A Cure for What Ails You: Traveling the World through Early English Medical Texts
Emily Hutchison
Associate Professor, Department of History, Mount Royal University (Alberta)
Mapping Climate Crises in Late Mediaeval Paris
Vanessa McCarthy
Fellow, Centre for Renaissance and Reformation Studies, University of Toronto
Mapping Sex-Workers in Mediaeval Bologna
Kelly DeVries
Professor Emeritus, Department of History, Loyola University Maryland
The Technology and Portability of Premodern Maps