Abstract
With Ortelius’ Theatrum the modern atlas format marks a historical turning point in the evolution of mapping, specifically due to its capability of combining effectively the impact of printing, as innovative medium of replication and dissemination of information, with the plan- ning mindset as one of modernity’s features. The article emphasises the ways in which such atlas format’s characters were employed by nation states, not only as a source of legitimacy, but also and above all as the main instrument to build their very nature as territorial powers.