The Catalan Atlas depicts a picture of a camel prominently. The camel was introduced to the region from Arabia around 100 BCE. The camel made crossing the Sahara possible, since the camel’s biology was adapted to it. Long eyelashes keep the sand from its eyes; its body temperature and fat storage abilities allow for long periods without water and in extreme heat; its soft and flat hooves can easily walk on the sand and gravel; and its high weight-bearing capacity can carry heavy loads. The camel is therefore known as “the ship” of the desert. 

For this task, students should create a modern pictorial map similar to the Catalan Atlas with key figures and societal elements depicted. Key questions to be prepared to respond to orally and to show on the pictorial map include the following:

• Who would appear on a pictorial map of your community, state or the United States? What themes of your community would be important to represent on your map?
• What architectural achievements would be shown?
• What would be shown on the pictorial map that may be as vital to today’s society as gold and camels were?