Ever curious about what lay beyond the horizon, explorers, merchants, pirates and military forces have for centuries relied upon maps to help them describe and navigate our planet. Although historical maps were often skillfully drawn and meticulously plotted, their layout tells only part of the story. Using anecdotal evidence and often scant geographical data for places they themselves may never have seen, cartographers frequently included fanciful or factual drawings to tease the imagination and the intellect - mythical sea creatures, masted ships, allegorical figures, and symbols of heraldry.