Al-Idrisi

Known for

The Tabula Rogeriana, one of the most advanced world maps of the Middle Ages

Biography

Geographer born in Ceuta who studied in Córdoba and worked at the Norman court of King Roger II of Sicily.

Contributions

• Produced the Tabula Rogeriana (1154), a world map with a detailed geographical text
• Collected reports from travellers and merchants to describe regions from Europe to China
• Made a large silver planisphere for Roger II

Major works

• Nuzhat al-Mushtaq fi Ikhtiraq al-Afaq (Tabula Rogeriana)