The Travels of Sir John Mandeville: Mapped

Marvels (Purple): For Mandeville, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Cyprus all present an intersection of various themes such as Christianity, geopolitics, and customs. Thus, Mandeville describes them with a contrasting tone to the islands and cities he rattles off throughout his account. These locations are distinct in that they are not solely Christian, but places with individuals whose practices differ from Mandeville. In all three locations, Mandeville references a time in which Christians controlled the city, but acknowledges that in every instance, that is no longer the case. Nonetheless, these places retain a certain level of importance based on their relics and sites.   

Christian (Red): Chios, Patmos, Marc (Myra), and Rhodes are among the several locations Mandeville connects primarily to Christianity. They receive less attention from Mandeville because they are already relevant within the Christian mind. The figures Mandeville associates with these locations, such as Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Nicholas, are known by his audience. Thus, Mandeville seeks to connect the dots rather than overembellish as he does in his description of the ‘Marvels’. Additionally, at these more typical Christian stops, Mandeville references trees and wine practices, underscoring the tradition of wine and the widespread influence of Christianity in the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. 

Regional Myths: Lango and Adalia present differently than many of Mandeville’s other descriptions. Rather than connecting them back to himself, his audience, and their shared Christianity, in Lango and Adalia, Mandeville tells the regional myth of each location. This practice not only reflects Mandeville’s appreciation for other cultures’ origins, but an awareness that his reader will want to hear about something totally new. Rather than explicitly condemning these myths, Mandeville legitimizes their function within their associated culture. 

Walking Route (Blue Line): Outlines the route from place to place, ‘by foot’.

Bodies of Water/Waterways (Yellow): The bodies of water and waterways Mandeville mentions when travelling between these locations.

Land and Water Route (Pink Line): A route that shows the progression from one location to the next, including the bodies of water/waterways that Mandeville mentions.