Medieval and Renaissance Maps
There are a few reasons for the use of sea monsters on old-fashioned charts. To think of mythical creatures in the depths of the oceans may seem rather ridiculous to us today, but back then it was a whole other story. At the time, people truly believed that these so-called sea monsters existed and although they were unsure as to what they looked like, it was assumed that they were similar to animals found on land. As a result, aquatic versions of mammals, such as lions, are frequently portrayed on these maps. The inclusion of mythical creatures on maps was also from a decorative point of view, as they were often used to adorn the homes of the rich and wealthy. But, above all else, these monsters symbolised the possible hazards of the sea, particularly in areas of the globe that were unexplored at the time.
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