Engelbert Kempfer's map and notes of 1697. Historical and geographical analysis
https://doi.org/10.55959/MSU0579-9414.5.79.5.10
Abstract
The paper provides a careful analysis of the Volga River Delta according to Engelbert Kaempfer’s map “Hetsuydelykste gedeelte van de Vliet Wolga” (“Southern part of the Volga River”) dating back to 1697. A comparative-historical analysis of the delta hydronyms was carried out for the first time, showing the similarity of some hydronyms of the western part of the delta with the Olearius’ map (1647) and the present day situation. It was concluded that the Kaempfer’s maps are highly informative in terms of the geographical realities of the Caspian Sea region in the 1670s. Detailed representation of large and small waterways indicates the interest of Europeans to the possibilities of navigation along the Volga-Caspian route. A historical and geographical reconstruction of the traveler’s water route from Astrakhan to the Caspian Sea was performed. The results of the study extend our knowledge of historical and geographical realities of the 17th century, forming new horizons for research in cartography, history and cultural geography.
About the Authors
S. A. Kotenkov
Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Senior Researcher, Ph.D. in History
D. M. Lobacheva
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Faculty of Geography, Department of Geomorphology and Paleogeography,
Postgraduate student
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Review
For citations:
Kotenkov S.A., Lobacheva D.M. Engelbert Kempfer's map and notes of 1697. Historical and geographical analysis. Lomonosov Geography Journal. 2024;(5):114-123. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.55959/MSU0579-9414.5.79.5.10
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