# Martin Behaim

> German navigator and geographer to the King of Portugal (1459–1507)

**Wikidata**: [Q44838](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44838)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Behaim)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/martin-behaim

## Summary
Martin Behaim was a German navigator and geographer who served as a geographer to the King of Portugal between 1459 and 1507. He is best known for creating the oldest surviving terrestrial globe, the *Erdapfel*, in 1492, which played a significant role in early cartography and exploration.

## Biography
- Born: 1459 (approximate date)
- Nationality: German
- Education: Trained in navigation and cartography
- Known for: Creating the *Erdapfel*, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe
- Employer(s): King of Portugal (1459–1507)
- Field(s): Navigation, cartography, geography

## Contributions
- **Erdapfel (1492)**: Designed and constructed the oldest surviving terrestrial globe, which was presented to King Afonso V of Portugal. This globe was a significant advancement in cartography and influenced early global mapping.
- **Geographical Works**: Served as a geographer to the King of Portugal, contributing to navigational and cartographic knowledge during his tenure.

## FAQs
### What is Martin Behaim known for?
Martin Behaim is known for creating the *Erdapfel*, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe, which he constructed in 1492. This globe was a groundbreaking achievement in cartography and played a crucial role in early global mapping.

### Where did Martin Behaim work?
Martin Behaim served as a geographer to the King of Portugal from 1459 until his death in 1507. His work during this period focused on navigation and cartography.

### What was the significance of the Erdapfel?
The *Erdapfel* was the first terrestrial globe to accurately depict the Earth's shape and was a significant advancement in cartography. It influenced early global mapping and exploration efforts.

### What was Martin Behaim's nationality?
Martin Behaim was of German nationality. He was born in the Holy Roman Empire, which encompassed modern-day Germany.

## Why They Matter
Martin Behaim's creation of the *Erdapfel* revolutionized cartography by providing the first accurate depiction of the Earth's shape. This globe was a critical tool for navigators and explorers, influencing early global mapping and shaping the development of geographical knowledge. His work laid the foundation for modern cartography and exploration, making him a foundational figure in the history of geography.

## Notable For
- **Oldest Terrestrial Globe**: Created the *Erdapfel* in 1492, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe.
- **Geographical Contributions**: Served as a geographer to the King of Portugal, contributing to navigational and cartographic knowledge.
- **Influence on Cartography**: His globe played a significant role in early global mapping and exploration.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Martin Behaim was born in the Holy Roman Empire, which included modern-day Germany. He received training in navigation and cartography, which laid the foundation for his later work.

### Career and Service
Martin Behaim served as a geographer to the King of Portugal from 1459 until his death in 1507. During his tenure, he focused on navigation and cartography, contributing to the development of geographical knowledge.

### Erdapfel (1492)
In 1492, Martin Behaim designed and constructed the *Erdapfel*, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe. This globe was a significant advancement in cartography, accurately depicting the Earth's shape and influencing early global mapping. The *Erdapfel* was presented to King Afonso V of Portugal and played a crucial role in navigation and exploration.

### Legacy and Influence
Martin Behaim's creation of the *Erdapfel* revolutionized cartography by providing the first accurate depiction of the Earth's shape. His work laid the foundation for modern cartography and exploration, making him a foundational figure in the history of geography. The *Erdapfel* remains a testament to his contributions and continues to be studied for its historical significance.

### Related Entities
Martin Behaim's work was influenced by the Holy Roman Empire, which encompassed a diverse array of territories and cultures. His globe was presented to the King of Portugal, reflecting the interconnectedness of European geographical knowledge at the time. The *Erdapfel* is also associated with the fields of navigation, cartography, and astronomy, further highlighting its significance in early exploration.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Geographicus Rare Antique Maps biographical dictionary of cartographers](https://www.geographicus.com/P/RareMaps/behaimmartin)
3. BnF authorities
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. CERL Thesaurus
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. LIBRIS. 2018
10. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands