From almost the beginning of humankind there has been a fascination of both the stars above and the earth itself. Astronomers studied the heavens and projected their findings onto globes. Of these, the earliest celestial globe surviving is the Atlantic Farnese globe in the Naples Museum, constructed around 200 B.C. The idea of fabricating a model of the physical earth was first suggested by Crates (before the Christian era). The development of the terrestrial globe permitted scholars to look at the earth and of the known continents. In 1541, Gerard Mercator produced a terrestrial globe of remarkable accuracy. It was designed in twelve gores (sections placed upon the round surface) and contained such data as the equator and meridians of longitude/parallels of latitude, as well as wind direction and scales. The sampling we offer listed below provides only a glimpse of the many types and variations of globes produced. Each globe comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. If you need assistance in identifying a globe you presently own, we would be happy to assist you at no cost or obligation. Please call us at 1-888-513-MAPS (6277) or write: Cartographic Associates, P.O. Box 565, Fulton, Maryland 20759.