Rosettes foldout: cardinal directions?

[cvetkakocj@rogers.com]

One detail mostly missing here is the distinction between the standard T-O images, where the lower half has been subdivided, and the *inverted* T-O version, where the upper half is split.

The image in the top right corner looks like Carthusian symbol, which represents the world. It is split on the top half into two parts. The word ORAL is Slovenicized form of the Latin word ORA (PRAY). ORA and LABORA is the motto of Carthusians. By the way, ORAL is also Slovenian word, meaning work, ploughing.
The caption on the Carthusian symbol states that the world is turning, but the cross remains. This could also help us understand the round image in the opposite corner (bottom left) which looks like a clock. In Slovenian, the word for 'hour' or a 'clok' is ORA (sometimes also spelled as HORA, now it is spelled as URA). The writing around the circle is also suggestive of the clock (the top part is written clockwise, and the bottom part anti-clockwise). Yes, the mechanical clock has been in use in Prague at the time, and a monk in Slovenia would certainly be aware of that.


Depends upon the orientation. West was "up" when Asia is in the top half. Other T-O maps are swivelled to give North as Up.
Same with the "T". Sometimes it is the two great rivers + the Med; othertimes we see it as other bodies of water, such as this one:


(The great cold North Sea and the Med)

If you look at the traditional T-O map on a You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. (the Orb held by Kings) you'll see that Europe is always at the top.

A good example reminding that the label set can be Sem, Cham, Jafeth instead of Asia, Africa, Europe