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Cited by 2Historical Geography and CartographyGlobal Maritime and Colonial HistoriesAfrican history and culture analysis

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 44 of the 46 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 2 of the 63 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

Combining Historical Maps, Travel Itineraries and Least-Cost Path Modelling to Reconstruct Pre-Modern Travel Routes and Locations in Northern Tigray (Ethiopia)

Open access
Hardt, Jacob, Nir, Nadav, Schütt, Brigitta·2023·The Cartographic Journal
DOI 10.1080/00087041.2022.2150363
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Abstract

Investigating long-distance travelling routes is crucial for understanding both historical decision-making processes as well as possible regional points of interest that may have been lost in the course of time.Located in the northern Ethiopian highlands, the city of Aksum was the starting and return point for both, Ethiopian, Arabian, and European travellers on the north-south passage to Cairo, Jerusalem or Europe, at least from the fifteenth century onwards.We extracted locations from travel itineraries from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and analysed historical maps from the fifteenth to the twentieth centuries.This data was used to calculate several least-cost paths (LCPs).Results suggest that route planning in historical times was in some cases very cost effective, while in others, visiting specific locations may have played a major role in path selection.Additionally, LCPs based on historical waypoints reveal several remarkable historical locations along their way.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Combining 15th–20th-century maps, 15th–16th-century itineraries, and least-cost path modelling, the study reconstructs pre-modern north–south routes around Aksum and Yeha in northern Tigray. It finds that historically documented waypoints often added little cost to topographically optimal paths, while the Rama depression was avoided until modern roads.

Key findings

  • Direct topographically optimal LCPs from Aksum to Debarwa and Aksum to Toagitha measured about 117 km and 130 km, respectively, and both likely required six days at an average pace of about 20 km/day. Waypoint-based LCPs were 0.5–17% longer: LCP-1-1518 via Alleluia/Aila was only 1 km (0.8%) longer than the direct route, while LCP-1-1517 via Adwa/Alleluia/Gondet and LCP-1-1520 via Yeha were c. 17% longer and required seven days.
  • The eastern route Aksum–Toagitha via Adwa (LCP-2-1400) measured 138 km and crossed the Mareb River twice; adding Debre Damo and the Bruce track (LCP-2-1400+) avoided the Mareb but was the longest at 192 km. The western route via Alleluia/Gondet/Aila was shorter and probably more frequently used, while the eastern route avoided the Mareb crossing and may have been used in rainy seasons.
  • Alleluia was localized to an isolated hill near modern Halelo/Abune Samuel, about 25 km north of Aksum and 14 km south of the Mareb, with the hill rising 400 m from its surroundings. Amba Beesa was localized about 20 km north of Adwa. The Rama depression, used by direct LCPs and the modern road, appears not to have been used for pre-modern long-distance travel.

Methods

  • The core study region was about 80 by 80 km around Aksum and Yeha. The authors collected toponyms from historical maps from the 15th to the 20th centuries and from travel itineraries, including Zorzi’s Iters F, I, III, and IV and Father Alvarez’s 1520 journey.
  • Least-cost paths were calculated in R using an AW3D30 digital surface model at 30 m resolution, aggregated to 60 m, with Tobler’s hiking cost function, 8-neighbour queen adjacency, and the `gdistance` and `leastcostpath` packages. Direct LCPs and waypoint-constrained LCPs were compared using `PDI_validation`, with travel times estimated for 16, 20, and 24 km/day scenarios.

Limitations

  • Stated: the study relies on maps and accounts drawn or noted by Europeans; indigenous Ge’ez manuscript lists and Aksum-centred circle maps were beyond scope. Historical maps are not always to scale, can contain distortions or fictional fill, and place names/localizations are uncertain or vanished; some interpretations, such as those for Iter F, remain speculative.
  • Stated: the Mareb River was not treated as an obstacle because determining a bridge or passage location would be highly speculative; seasonal runoff could have made crossing impossible and affected route choice.
  • Evident from the text: the LCP modelling is based mainly on topography and does not incorporate water access, river crossings, political or religious factors, or seasonal conditions except in discussion; missing waypoints and sparse sources further limit reconstruction.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1080/00087041.2022.2150363

Cites

44 of 44 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

2 of 63 cited sources checked · 1 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Findingreasoning

    Considering waypoints based on the historical sources would result in the omission of the Rama depression.

    “Considering waypoints based on the historical sources, would result in the omission of the Rama depression.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    Among the studied sources, the Eschinardi map is the only mention of a place or region with a spelling similar to the modern city of Rama.

    “Among the studied sources, this is the only mention of a place or region with a spelling similar to the modern city of Rama.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In the case of Zorzi's Iters I, III and IV (represented by LCP-1-1517 and LCP-1-1518) a slight deviation of the routes' courses (4.5-5.6%) is evident.

    “In the case of Zorzi's Iters I, III and IV (represented by LCP-1-1517 and LCP-1-1518) a slight deviation of the routes' courses (4.5-5.6%) is evident.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The LCPs calculated while considering Alleluia as a waypoint (LCP-1-1517, LCP-1-1518) would ultimately reach very close (about 750 m) to Aila, in contrast to the direct LCPs.

    “It is evident that the LCPs calculated while considering Alleluia as a waypoint (LCP-1-1517, LCP-1-1518), would ultimately reach very close (about 750 m) to Aila (Figure 5), in opposite to the direct LCPs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    The Soviet military (1977) map shows a widespread route network densely intertwined over the whole study region.

    “The Soviet military (1977) map (excluded here because an excerpt could not be properly reproduced at the necessary scale) shows a widespread route network densely intertwined over the whole study region.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 34
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 53

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Least-cost path analysis is a well-established tool to compute a preferred movement route between two points and is mostly based on topographic features.

    “Least-cost path (LCP) analysis is a well-established tool to compute a preferred movement route between two points and is mostly based on topographic features (e.g.Alberti, 2019;Gowen and de Smet, 2020;Nir et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Alberti, 2019 source

      The Motivation and significance section describes least-cost analysis as finding a least-cost path from a location back to a source and says the method has been increasingly used. It also explains that movecost models terrain slope, but does not establish that least-cost path analysis generally is mostly based on topographic features; it acknowledges other influences on movement. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Gowen and de Smet, 2020 source
    • cites Nir et al., 2021 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The LCP-1-1520 from Debarwa to Aksum following the journey of Alvarez runs via Yeha and also requires seven days.

    “The LCP-1-1520 from Debarwa to Aksum following the journey of Alvarez runs via Yeha and also requires seven days (Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Although Alleluia was destroyed in 1535, it is still mentioned more than 100 years after destruction on the Ludolf map.

    “Although Alleluia was destroyed in 1535, it is still mentioned more than 100 years after destruction on this map.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The direct LCPs from Aksum to Debarwa (LCP-1-D) and from Aksum to Toagitha (LCP-2-D) both follow the Rama depression.

    “Firstly, the direct LCPs from Aksum to Debarwa (LCP-1-D) and from Aksum to Toagitha (LCP-2-D) both follow the Rama depression.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Although most of the LCPs do not follow the same course, they remain close to each other.

    “Although most of the LCPs do not follow the same course, they remain close to each other (Figure 5).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    The LCP from Aksum to Debarwa following Zorzi's Iter III and IV (LCP-1-1518) is only one km longer than the ideal LCP-1-D, resulting in a most likely travel time of six days.

    “The LCPs from Aksum to Debarwa following Zorzi's Iter III and IV (LCP-1-1518) is only one km longer than the 'ideal' LCP-1-D, resulting also in a most likely travel time of six days.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    When considering additional stops, some LCPs change their course distinctly, while others may deviate shortly but then remain closely parallel to the course of the direct LCP.

    “When considering the additional stops, some LCPs change their course distinctly, while others may deviate shortly but then remain closely parallel to the course of the direct LCP.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Alleluia and Abune Alef are located on isolated hills, separated by the Rama depression, and are located about 15 km apart from each other.

    “They are located on isolated hills, separated by the Rama depression, and are located about 15 km apart from each other (Figure 5).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    LCP-2-1400+ goes via Debre Damo and avoids crossing the Mareb River.

    “The LCP-2-1400+ goes via Debre Damo and avoids crossing the Mareb River, resulting in the longest of all connections, measuring 192 km.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    LCP-2-1400 crosses the Mareb River twice on the way to Toagitha and measures 138 km.

    “in Aksum, LCP-2-1400 crosses the Mareb River twice on the way to Toagitha and measures 138 km.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Starting in Aksum, LCP-2-1400 crosses the Mareb River twice on the way to Toagitha and measures 138 km.

    “Starting in Aksum, LCP-2-1400 crosses the Mareb River twice on the way to Toagitha and measures 138 km.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Direct least-cost paths from Aksum to Debarwa (LCP-1-D) and from Aksum to Toagitha (LCP-2-D) have total lengths of about 117 km and 130 km, respectively.

    “The first set of least-cost paths, direct connections from Aksum to Debarwa (LCP-1-D) and from Aksum to Toagitha (LCP-2-D), result in total lengths of about 117 (LCP-1-D) and 130 km (LCP-2-D) (Table 2, Figure 5).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Alleluia reappears in different spelling variants on subsequent historical maps and in three travel itineraries.

    “On subsequent historical maps, Alleluia reappears in different spelling variants (e.g.Lelia, Alello, Dabra Halole, see Supplementary Material C) as well as in three travel itineraries (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    The name Gult is mentioned on Egyptus Novelo and in Zorzi's Iter I, but this place cannot be precisely located.

    “The name Gult (also Gulti, Guelt) is mentioned on Egyptus Novelo and in Zorzi's Iter I (Table 1), but this place cannot be precisely located.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    In the studied itineraries there is a lack of descriptions indicating bridges or passages to cross the Mareb River as well as allusions to any problems crossing the Mareb.

    “In the studied itineraries there is a lack of descriptions indicating bridges or passages to cross the Mareb River as well as allusions to any problems crossing the Mareb.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Currently there is one bridge located at Adis Alem, directly north-west of Rama, while pathways on both sides of the River indicate a possible passage downstream of this bridge at Adi Berah.

    “Currently there is one bridge located at Adis Alem, directly north-west of Rama, while pathways on both sides of the River indicate a possible passage downstream of this bridge at Adi Berah.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    After LCP-1-1520 goes into Eritrea, it comes across a church as well as a modern unpaved road after 6 km that remains closely parallel to the LCP-1-1520 for at least 30 km.

    “After LCP-1-1520 goes into Eritrea, it comes across a church as well as a modern unpaved road after 6 km that remains closely parallel to the LCP-1-1520 for at least 30 km.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    The modern settlement of Yeha as well as the archaeological site of Yeha are located 1.5 km apart from the main road.

    “Also the modern settlement of Yeha as well as the archaeological site of Yeha are located 1.5 km apart from the main road.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The eastern route, as calculated by LCP-2-1400+ and as indicated in several maps from the nineteenth century, completely avoids crossing the Mareb but involves up to three extra days of travel.

    “The eastern route, as calculated by LCP-2-1400+ and as indicated in several maps from the nineteenth century, completely avoids crossing the Mareb but involves up to three extra days of travel.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    On Ludolf's map from 1683 Alleluia is still depicted, but with a relatively small symbol.

    “Accordingly, on Ludolf's map from 1683 Alleluia is still depicted, but with a relatively small symbol.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ludolf's map from 1683

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    This route went north from Adwa or Aksum via Alleluia, crossed the Mareb River about 8.5 km south-west of Gondet/Aila, continued on the Kohaito plateau towards Debarwa and then to Asmara or Massawa.

    “This route went north from Adwa or Aksum via Alleluia, crossed the Mareb River about 8.5 km south-west of Gondet/Aila, continued on the Kohaito plateau towards Debarwa and then to Asmara or Massawa (Figure 5).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The older maps and itineraries both indicate that the western northbound route from Aksum went either along the hilly landscape via Alleluia to Gundet or through hilly terrain via Amba Beesa to Gondet.

    “The older maps and itineraries both indicate that the western northbound route from Aksum went either along the hilly landscape via Alleluia to Gundet or through hilly terrain via Amba Beesa to Gondet.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    Adwa and Aksum are missing on the map of Egyptus Novelo but are mentioned, except for few cases, starting with Ludolf's map from 1683.

    “Adwa and Aksum are missing on the map of Egyptus Novelo but are mentioned, except for few cases, starting with Ludolf's map from 1683.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Gult disappeared from the maps from the late seventeenth century onwards and could not be localized.

    “While Fremona appeared on all studied maps throughout the centuries, except for the more recent Soviet map, Gult disappeared from the maps from the late seventeenth century onwards and could not be localized.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Findingnone given

    Other places such as Amba Beesa, Daro Takle or Gondet/Aila appear from the mid-nineteenth century on when the area was mapped in more detail.

    “Other places such as Amba Beesa, Daro Takle or Gondet/Aila appear from the mid-nineteenth century on when the area was mapped in more detail.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Two more churches are located about 800 m from this LCP while two additional churches are located 2-3 km away from the path on adjoining hills.

    “Two more churches are located about 800 m from this LCP while two additional churches are located 2-3 km away from the path on adjoining hills (see Figure 5).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Modelling of topographic least-cost paths is a common method to compute the most cost-effective connection between two or more points on the basis of a digital elevation model.

    “The modelling of topographic least-cost paths is a common method to compute the most cost-effective connection between two or more points on basis of a digital elevation model (Seifried and Gardner, 2019;Nir et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Seifried and Gardner, 2019 source
    • cites Nir et al., 2021 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Route planning in historical times was in some cases very cost effective, while in others, visiting specific locations may have played a major role in path selection.

    “Results suggest that route planning in historical times was in some cases very cost effective, while in others, visiting specific locations may have played a major role in path selection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Zorzi listed the itineraries around 1524 in Venice without ever having travelled to Ethiopia himself.

    “Zorzi listed the itineraries, which he collected from Ethiopian pilgrims and European adventurers travelling to or from Ethiopia, around the year 1524 in Venice without ever having travelled to Ethiopia by himself (George, 1959;Ayenachew, 2016).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites George, 1959 source
    • cites Ayenachew, 2016 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    A presumably structural N-S striking depression structure, the Rama depression, occurs in the northern-central part of the study area and is about 10 km long and up to 4 km wide.

    “In the northern-central part of the study area, a presumably structural N-S striking depression structure occurs (here called Rama depression; Busch et al., 2021;Nir et al., 2022), which is about 10 km long and up to 4 km wide (E-W).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Busch et al., 2021 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

    • cites Nir et al., 2022 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The steepness of slope affects both the time of travel and the energy required to move from one point to another.

    “The steepness of the slope affects both the time of travel as well as the energy required to get from one point to the other (Herzog, 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Herzog, 2013

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    Bruce (1813) records a location called Hiha, which may refer to modern Yeha.

    “Bruce (1813) records for the core study region Axum (Aksum), Adowa (Adwa) and Fremona, and additionally for the first time a location called Hiha, which may refer to modern Yeha.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Alleluia was a monastery that had been burnt during the invasion led by Grañ in 1535.

    “Although information is sparse, Beckingham and Huntingford (1961: 164) mention that Alleluia was a monastery that had been burnt during the invasion led by Grañ in 1535.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Beckingham and Huntingford, 1961

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Alleluia was reportedly destroyed in 1535.

    “Albeit Alleluia was reportedly destroyed in 1535 (Beckingham and Huntingford, 1961), it is still shown on maps dating to the seventeenth century (Figure 2(B-D)).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Beckingham and Huntingford, 1961

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    An earlier church on the same hill as Fremona dates to the early fifteenth century, indicating that the place was already of importance before the Jesuit mission arrived.

    “An earlier church on the same hill dates to the early fifteenth century, indicating that the place was already of importance before the Jesuit mission arrived and that the name already existed, too.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The location of Gama on the Eschinardi map might coincide with the area of the modern city of Rama.

    “From its position on the map in-between mountains, its location might coincide with the area of the modern city of Rama.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Indigenous circle maps from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are centred around Aksum and consist of concentric circles divided into sectors that represent specific places or areas and point in the appropriate direction.

    “Furthermore, there exist indigenous maps from the core study region, such as the circle maps from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which are centred around the ancient capital of Aksum.These maps consist of concentric circles divided into different sectors.The sectors represent specific places or areas and point into the appropriate direction (Bassett, 1998;Nyssen et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Bassett, 1998

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Nyssen et al., 2019 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    According to the topographic map of Ethiopia (ETH 50k 4 1438 D1), there is a modern village named Halelo and a church compound named Halelo Abune Samuel located about 25 km north of Aksum and about 14 km south of the Mareb.

    “According to the topographic map of Ethiopia (ETH 50k 4 1438 D1), there is a modern village named Halelo and a church compound named Halelo Abune Samuel located about 25 km north of Aksum and about 14 km south of the Mareb.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites ETH 50k 4 1438 D1

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Alleluia (Debre Halle Luya) and Abune Alef (at Amba Beesa) are two individual places, and not one, contrary to Finneran (2012) suggestion.

    “Thus, Alleluia (Debre Halle Luya) and Abune Alef (at Amba Beesa) are two individual places, and not one, contrary to Finneran (2012) suggestion.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Finneran (2012)

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Manoel Barradas (1634) mentions that Alleluia lies one day to the North from Fremona, is built on the top of a range of mountains, and can be clearly seen from far away.

    “Manoel Barradas (1634 in Pankhurst, 1996: 132) mentions in his notes about Alleluia: From Fremona it lies one day to the North.[…] But often when coming and going to Debaroa I passed within sight of it, as it is built on the top of a range of mountains, and although it is in the middle of a dense copse it can be clearly seen, even from very far away.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Pankhurst, 1996: 132

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The term gult may relate to a specific type of land tenure and thus does not necessarily have to refer to a single place.

    “The term gult may however also relate to a specific type of land tenure (Crewett et al., 2008) and thus does not necessarily have to refer to a single place.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crewett et al., 2008 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Place names frequently change over centuries, and different translations can result in different names for the same place.

    “As place names frequently are subject to change in the course of centuries (Chauke, 2015), also different translations can result in different names for the same place (Moller, 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Chauke, 2015 source
    • cites Moller, 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Zorzi's Iters I and II describe the monastery as being two days travel away from Adwa or Aksum, and mention another day of travelling to cross the river Mareb on the way to Aila.

    “Zorzi's Iters I and II describe the monastery being a two days travel away from Adwa or Aksum accordingly, mentioning another day of travelling to cross the river Mareb on the way to Aila (Crawford, 1958: 125 and 145, and supplementary data).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crawford, 1958: 125 and 145

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    A paradigm shift occurred from the eighteenth century when it became established that places with no data can remain blank for the benefit of higher precision.

    “A paradigm shift occurred from the eighteenth century when it became established that places with no data can remain blank for the benefit of higher precision (Bassett, 1994).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bassett, 1994 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Hiob Ludolf incorporated indigenous knowledge into the map by consulting an Ethiopian monk in Europe in the mid-seventeenth century.

    “Hiob Ludolf, a German scholar, incorporated indigenous knowledge into the map as he consulted an Ethiopian monk in Europe in the mid-seventeenth century (Nyssen et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nyssen et al., 2019 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Fremona became one of the two most important Jesuit monasteries in Ethiopia.

    “Philemona likely refers to Fremona (Crawford, 1958), which became one of the two most important Jesuit monasteries in Ethiopia (Martinez, 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Martinez, 2005

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The good visibility of this location and the topography as well as the distance from Aksum, Adwa, and the Mareb River fit well with the historic descriptions.

    “The good visibility of this location and the topography as well as the distance from Aksum, Adwa, and the Mareb River, fit well with the historic descriptions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Although these numbers might be exaggerated, they underline the importance the monastery had in the past.

    “Although these numbers might be exaggerated, they underline the importance the monastery had in the past.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Indigenous historical spatial information from the study area is often contained in lists found in church manuscripts in the ancient Ethiopian Ge'ez language.

    “As Nyssen et al. (2019)report, indigenous historical spatial information from the study area is often contained in form of lists and found in church manuscripts in the ancient Ethiopian Ge'ez language;”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nyssen et al. (2019) source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Maps from the nineteenth century reflect the routes individual expeditions travelled, while some maps also compile routes of several expeditions.

    “Maps from the nineteenth century reflect the routes individual expeditions have travelled on (e.g.Lefebvre, 1847), while some maps also compile routes of several expeditions (e.g.Salt, 1814).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Lefebvre, 1847

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Salt, 1814

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Caraman (1985) mentions that Alleluia was founded by the influential Abbot Samuel, who lived in the fourteenth century according to Pankhurst (1996: 132), and that it is situated on a mountain above the river Mareb, twenty miles north-west of Aksum, without giving exact coordinates.

    “Caraman (1985) mentions that Alleluia was founded by the influential Abbot Samuel, who lived in the fourteenth century according to Pankhurst (1996: 132), and that it is 'situated on a mountain above the river Mareb, twenty miles north-west of Aksum', without giving exact coordinates (Caraman, 1985: 47).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Caraman, 1985: 47

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Pankhurst (1996: 132)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Least-cost path modelling has shown that the circle maps are useful for route planning.

    “Nyssen et al. (2020) have shown on basis of least-cost path modelling that the circle maps are useful for route planning.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nyssen et al. (2020)

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Debre Damo is the oldest church of Ethiopia, dating back to the sixth-century CE.

    “It is the oldest church of Ethiopia, dating back to the sixth-century CE (Phillipson, 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Phillipson, 2007

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The invasion led by Grañ started in Adal at the Red Sea in 1528 and was defeated by the troops of Christovão da Gama in 1543.

    “The invasion started in Adal at the Red Sea in 1528 and was defeated by the troops of Christovão da Gama in 1543 (Caraman, 1985: 9).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Caraman, 1985

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    At Amba Beesa, a plateau already mentioned by Lefebvre (1847) located about 20 km north of Adwa, a church on a hill named 'Abune Ale' is denoted on the modern Ethiopian map.

    “At Amba Beesa, a plateau already mentioned by Lefebvre (1847) located about 20 km north of Adwa, a church on a hill named 'Abune Ale' is denoted on the modern Ethiopian map.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lefebvre (1847)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    The number of monks living in Alleluia prior to destruction range from 500 to 5,000 monks.

    “The number of monks living in Alleluia prior to destruction range from 500 (Crawford, 1958: 123 and 125) to 5,000 monks (Crawford, 1958: 145).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Crawford, 1958: 123 and 125

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Crawford, 1958: 145

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Amba Beesa was previously tentatively assumed to lie somewhere between Adigrat and Nebelet; based on the analysis of travel itineraries and historical maps we localized this place about 20 km to the north of Adwa.

    “Amba Beesa was previously tentatively assumed to lie somewhere between Adigrat and Nebelet; based on the analysis of travel itineraries and historical maps we localized this place about 20 km to the north of Adwa.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The eastern route via Adwa and Debre Damo, as calculated on basis of combined travel reports, is significantly longer than the western route but avoids the crossing of the Mareb River, which may have been necessary during rainy seasons.

    “The eastern route via Adwa and Debre Damo, as calculated on basis of combined travel reports, is significantly longer than the western route but avoids the crossing of the Mareb River, which may have been necessary during rainy seasons.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    During the processing of the LCPs, the Mareb River was not considered as an obstacle, as an a priori determination of the location of a bridge would be highly speculative.

    “During the processing of the LCPs, the Mareb River was not considered as an obstacle, as an a priori determination of the location of a bridge would be highly speculative.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    It is common that specific locations give names to an entire micro region.

    “However, it is common that specific locations give names to an entire micro region (Meyer, 1944).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Meyer, 1944

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    Due to its position within the undulating terrain of the Adwa mountains, Yeha was probably not a suitable resting place for travellers on the western north-south route, which is corroborated by the outcomes of the LCP analyses.

    “Due to its position within the undulating terrain of the Adwa mountains (Machado, 2015), it was probably not a suitable resting place for travellers on the western north-south route, which is corroborated by the outcomes of the LCP analyses (Table 2, Figure 5).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Machado, 2015 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Bent (1893b: 97) writes in his itineraries from the late nineteenth century about Alleluia that '[t]his spot is the usual halting-place for caravans, and is called Lah-lah-ah, and soon after our arrival peasants came from a village on the hills [...]'.

    “Even Bent (1893b: 97) writes in his itineraries from the late nineteenth century about Alleluia that '[t]his spot is the usual halting-place for caravans, and is called Lah-lah-ah, and soon after our arrival peasants came from a village on the hills […]'.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bent (1893b: 97)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationnone given

    On the eastern branch of the western northbound route, the church of Abune Ale at Amba Beesa may have attracted travellers or pilgrims for a stop.

    “On the eastern branch of the western northbound route, the church of Abune Ale at Amba Beesa may have attracted travellers or pilgrims for a stop.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Our core study region covers the southern section of the western route, which, according to Crawford (1958), was most likely the more frequently used 'beaten track'.

    “Our core study region covers the southern section of the western route, which, according to Crawford (1958) was most likely the more frequently used 'beaten track'.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crawford (1958)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    This may be due to its hot climate, which differs from the more moderate conditions of the neighbouring highland regions.

    “This may be due to its hot climate, which differs from the more moderate conditions of the neighbouring highland regions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Later the name may be readopted by another specific location in the area, not necessarily within the same spot.

    “Later the name may be readopted by another specific location in the area, not necessarily within the same spot.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This in turn may have even resulted in the establishment of Gondet/Aila as a resting place before or after the river crossing.

    “This in turn may have even resulted in the establishment of Gondet/Aila as a resting place before or after the river crossing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Barradas noted in 1634 that Alleluia 'was a very large and celebrated place with many friars', but in the beginning of the seventeenth century only few monks were living there.

    “This corresponds to the observation of Barradas (Pankhurst, 1996: 132), who noted in 1634 that it 'was a very large and celebrated place with many friars', but in the beginning of the seventeenth century only few monks were living there.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Pankhurst, 1996: 132

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A decision to choose a different route, excluding Gondet/Aila or Alleluia, may be the result of the use of a bridge or passage across the Mareb River during phases of increased runoff.

    “A decision to choose a different route, excluding Gondet/Aila or Alleluia may be the result of the use of a bridge or passage across the Mareb River during phases of increased runoff.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Mai Lala does not seem to be directly related to Alleluia, albeit the name suggests it.

    “It does not seem to be directly related to Alleluia, albeit the name suggests it.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In general, the route selection might have depended on seasonal and climatic conditions, which could turn the Mareb River into an obstacle.

    “In general, the route selection might have depended on seasonal and climatic conditions, which could turn the Mareb River into an obstacle.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    It is possible that this route was used preferably during the rainy season when the runoff of the Mareb River was increased.

    “It is possible that this route was used preferably during the rainy season when the runoff of the Mareb River was increased.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The shorter and probably more often used western route goes from Aksum either via Alleluia to Gondet/Aila, or from Aksum via Amba Beesa towards north.

    “The shorter and probably more often used western route goes from Aksum either via Alleluia to Gondet/Aila, or from Aksum via Amba Beesa towards north.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Alleluia was mentioned until the late seventeenth century and likely reappeared as Halelo Abune Samuel on the modern Ethiopian topographic map.

    “Alleluia was also mentioned until the late seventeenth century and likely reappeared as Halelo Abune Samuel on the modern Ethiopian topographic map.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Alleluia was an important monastery and waypoint in the fifteenth century which we localize on a hill to the north of Aksum.

    “Alleluia was an important monastery and waypoint in the fifteenth century which we localize on a hill to the north of Aksum.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
75 of 75

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Some places may not have existed centuries or decades ago, and other places may have vanished over time.

    “Places may not have existed centuries or decades ago, and other places may have vanished over time.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Cartographers may fill empty spaces on a map with fictional mountain ranges or rivers for aesthetic purposes.

    “The purpose is not necessarily the most precise planar representation of a specific area, as empty spaces on a map may have been filled by the cartographer with fictional mountain ranges or rivers for aesthetic purposes.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Some historical maps were not drawn to scale, and their spatial representation can contain variable and unknown distortions.

    “Beyond, some of the historical maps were not drawn to scale, and their spatial representation can contain variable and unknown distortions.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The intention of the Bent map was to provide an overview of trade routes across Ethiopia on a single book page.

    “The intention of the Bent map was to provide an overview of trade routes across Ethiopia on a single book page.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Northern Tigray's topography, with plateau regions, hills, ambas, and deeply incised valleys, limits the possibilities of long-distance routes.

    “Northern Tigray is topographically diverse, with plateau regions, hills, ambas, and deeply incised valleys that would limit the possibilities of long-distance routes.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Nineteenth-century expeditions used to follow the existing path network, making their descriptions valuable for reconstructions of pre-modern path networks.

    “These nineteenth-century expeditions used to follow the existing path network, making their descriptions valuable for the reconstructions of pre-modern path networks, as the eighteenthand nineteenth-century maps present a route network prior to construction of the modern roads by the Italians in the twentieth century.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The Mareb River was not difficult to cross through the wide alluvial plains using pack animals.

    “It is assumed that the Mareb River was not difficult to cross through the wide alluvial plains using pack animals.”
7 of 7

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Alleluia is described in a nineteenth-century record

    Minor

    The claim that Alleluia disappeared from records from the eighteenth century onwards conflicts with the paper's account of Bent's late-nineteenth-century itinerary, which explicitly discusses Alleluia.

  • Fremona is also missing from the Lefebvre map

    Minor

    The paper says Fremona appears on every studied map except the Soviet map, but its account of the Lefebvre map explicitly says Fremona is missing.

2 of 2

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

2 of the 46 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. Bassett, T.J. (1998) “Indigenous Mapmaking in Intertropical Africa” In Woodward, D. and Lewis, G.M. (Eds) The History of Cartography – Cartography in the Traditional African, American, Arctic, Australian, and Pacific Societies Chicago: University of Chicago Press Volume 2, Book 3, pp.24–48.
  2. Beckingham, C.F. and Huntingford, G.W.B. (1961) The Prester John of the Indies: A True Relation of the Lands of the Prester John Being the Narrative of the Portuguese Embassy to Ethiopia in 1520 / Written by Father Francisco Alvares. The Translation of Lord Stanley of Alderley (1881) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  3. Bent, J.T. (1893b) The Sacred City of the Ethiopians: Being a Record of Travel and Research in Abyssinia in 1893 / With a Chapter by H.D. Muller on the Inscriptions from Yeha and Aksum, and an Appendix on the Morphological Character of the Abyssinians, by J.G. Garson London: Longmans, Green and Co.
  4. Caraman, P. (1985) The Lost Empire: The Story of the Jesuits in Ethiopia 1555–1634 London: Sidgwick & Jackson.
  5. Crawford, O.G.S. (1958) Ethiopian Itineraries: Circa 1400–1524 Including Those Collected by Alessandro Zorzi at Venice in the Years 1519–24 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  6. Japp, S., Gerlach, I., Hitgen, H. and Schnelle, M. (2011) “Yeha and Hawelti: Cultural Contacts Between Sabaʾ and DʿMT — New Research by the German Archaeological Institute in Ethiopia” Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies 41 pp.145–160.
  7. Martinez, A. (2005) “Fremona” In Uhlig, S. (Ed.) Encyclopaedia Aethiopica Volume 2 Wiesbaden, Germany: Harassowitz, pp.527–528.
  8. Pankhurst, R. (1996) Tractatus tres historico-geographici (1634): A Seventeenth Century Historical and Geographical Account of Tigray, Ethiopia / Manoel Barradas. (Trans. Filleul, E.) Wiesbaden, Germany: Harrassowitz.
  9. Ross, E.D. (1922) “Early Travellers in Abyssinia: Part I” Journal of the Royal African Society 21 (84) pp.268–278.
  10. Voigt, R., Smidt, W. and Belachew, M. (2003) “Cartography” In Uhlig, S., Yiman, B., Crummey, D., Goldenberg, G., Marrassini, P., Aregay, M. and Wagner, E. (Eds) Encyclopaedia Aethiopica Volume 1 Wiesbaden, Germany: Harassowitz, pp.686–692.

Cited by

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Related

Metadata

Authors
Hardt, J., Nir, N., & Schütt, B.
Affiliations
  • Freie Universität Berlin (DE)
  • Department of Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Corresponding author
Hardt, Jacob
ORCID
Venue
The Cartographic Journal
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2023-07-03
Volume
60
Issue
3
Pages
163-179
ISSN
  • 0008-7041 (ISSN-L)
  • 1743-2774
DOI
10.1080/00087041.2022.2150363
OpenAlex
W4383557843
Cited by
2
References
46
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2023: 1
FWCI
0.94
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • The Cartographic Journal (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Refubium (Universitätsbibliothek der Freien Universität Berlin) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Universitätsbibliothek der FU Berlin Hochschulschriftenstelle u. Dokumentenserver
Funders
DFG (404354728)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Geography, Planning and Development › Historical Geography and Cartography
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › Global Maritime and Colonial Histories
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › African history and culture analysis
Keywords
historical maps, travel itineraries, Aksum, long-distance travel, historical cartography

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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

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