‘Mappa Mundi’ title meaning

The term ‘Mappa Mundi’ derives from the Medieval Latin words mappa (cloth or chart) and mundi (of the world), meaning map of the world. Mappae mundi were never meant to be used as geographic navigational charts but rather to illustrate different principles. The larger mappae mundi have the space and detail to illustrate further concepts, such as the cardinal directions, distant lands, Bible stories, history, mythology, flora, fauna and exotic races. In their fullest form they become minor encyclopedias of medieval knowledge.

Autocartography: Mapping the Self