History Extra Podcast: "The Invisible Tracks That Have Shaped the World"

Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of the History Extra Podcast, host Eleanor Evans engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Sara Caputo, an affiliated lecturer at Cambridge University. They delve into Caputo's insightful book, Tracks on the Ocean: A History of Trailblazing Maps and Maritime Travel. The discussion explores how the seemingly invisible lines drawn on maps have profoundly influenced global history through power, conquest, and exploration.

The Concept of Tracks on Maps

Dr. Sara Caputo introduces the central theme of her book: the "tracks"—the lines on maps that represent voyages and movements across the world's oceans. She explains:

"The tracks I'm talking about are these imaginary lines that we leave behind on our maps when we think about ourselves in the world... but in reality end up leaving on the world, too, by sheer repetition and force of conviction."
— Sara Caputo [02:47]

Caputo challenges the taken-for-granted notion of representing journeys as lines on maps, highlighting that historically, travel was described verbally rather than graphically. She references the hodological vision—an immersive, path-based understanding of movement prevalent in the ancient Mediterranean and Middle Ages.

Historical Evolution of Map Tracks

The conversation traces the evolution of mapping journeys from individual verbal descriptions to the graphical tracks familiar today. Caputo notes:

"In the ancient world... people didn't use tracks... they were describing where you've been in a more embedded type of vision."
— Sara Caputo [04:04]

She identifies the 16th century as a pivotal period when Iberian navigators began charting their oceanic voyages with tracks, possibly influenced by East Asian mapping traditions. The advent of astronomical navigation made it feasible to plot more accurate tracks, transforming individual journeys into symbolic representations of exploration and imperial ambition.

Tracks and Empire Building

Caputo elaborates on how tracks became tools for empire-building and propaganda. By drawing lines across oceans, explorers could symbolically claim territories and assert dominance. She explains:

"By drawing a line, you can claim a stretch of the sea that is supposedly unclaimed... it becomes a really powerful tool of imperial propaganda."
— Sara Caputo [11:33]

This practice not only served legal and political purposes but also shaped public perception and national narratives. Caputo cites the debate between Hugo Grotius and John Selden over the freedom of the sea, illustrating how map tracks influenced international maritime laws and territorial claims.

Public Fascination with Tracks

The episode highlights the public's fascination with navigational tracks, using the example of James Cook. Caputo recounts an anecdote where Cook drew a track of his voyage on a book at a social gathering, which became a treasured artifact due to its symbolic significance:

"A track drawn by Cook's own hand had this power over the 18th-century public... like keeping up with celebrities today."
— Sara Caputo [17:18]

She emphasizes how tracks simplified complex voyages into easily understandable visuals, making them accessible and captivating to the general populace. This accessibility transformed tracks into symbols of adventure and national pride.

Tracks as Highways and Their Environmental Impact

Moving into the 19th century, Caputo discusses the transition of tracks from individual voyages to solidified maritime highways with the advent of steam liners. These repeating routes became the backbone of global trade and migration, reinforcing imperial connections. She observes:

"With increasing transport facilitated by these liner companies... the steamship companies give away blank charts of a world where a passenger can draw their track as they go along."
— Sara Caputo [25:39]

Furthermore, Caputo touches on the environmental consequences of these maritime tracks. She explains how ship tracks—linear pollution created by vessel emissions—have become a literal manifestation of human impact on the oceans:

"Today the term ship track actually refers to a type of cloud that is created by human activities... It's a form of linear pollution that is left behind by vessels."
— Sara Caputo [25:49]

This duality underscores how tracks, once symbolic, have tangible effects on the natural world.

Transition in Map Representation

The discussion concludes with an exploration of how map aesthetics evolved alongside the technological advancements in navigation. Early maps often featured sea monsters and elaborate illustrations, reflecting the fears and myths surrounding the unknown oceans. Caputo notes:

"In early modern maps, we start by having all of these drawings of monsters... they just say, we've been here, let's plonk this ship in the middle of this sea."
— Sara Caputo [28:36]

As mapping technology advanced, the focus shifted to scientific accuracy, stripping away decorative elements to present a more objective view of the world. However, Caputo cautions that tracks continue to impart narratives and perspectives, just in a more refined language.

Conclusion

Eleanor Evans wraps up the episode by summarizing the profound influence of maritime tracks on historical narratives, imperial ambitions, and environmental landscapes. She encourages listeners to explore further by reading Tracks on the Ocean and other related episodes focusing on land borders and their historical significance.

"People have been drawing lines on maps as long as there have been maps to draw on... If you're curious how land borders have shaped the course of history, then be sure to check out our episode with John Elledge."
— Wendy [29:56]

Key Takeaways

1. Tracks as Symbols: The representation of voyages as lines on maps emerged in the 16th century, transforming verbal descriptions into symbolic visuals that facilitated imperial claims and public engagement.

2. Empire and Propaganda: Tracks served as tools for asserting dominance over unexplored territories, influencing international maritime laws, and shaping national narratives.

3. Public Engagement: Simplified visual tracks made complex voyages accessible and captivating, fueling public fascination and national pride.

4. Technological Influence: The advent of steam liners and advanced navigation solidified tracks into consistent maritime highways, reinforcing global trade and migration patterns.

5. Environmental Impact: Modern ship tracks represent the tangible environmental footprint of human maritime activities, highlighting the ongoing relationship between navigation and ecological change.

6. Evolution of Maps: From embellished early maps to scientifically accurate representations, the evolution of mapping reflects broader shifts in perception, technology, and societal priorities.

Further Exploration

For those intrigued by the themes discussed, Tracks on the Ocean by Sara Caputo offers an in-depth exploration of maritime maps and their historical significance. Additionally, the History Extra Podcast features an episode with John Elledge that examines how land borders have influenced historical events, providing a comprehensive understanding of geographical demarcations in shaping human history.

This episode was produced by Daniel Kramer Arden.