Geographic Maps in Russia in the First Half of the 18th Century as a Historical Source

Student: Sergey Avdonin

Educational Programme: History (Bachelor)

Year of Graduation: 2025

The BA thesis is dedicated to the analysis of geographic maps of 18th-century Russia from the perspective of source studies and critical cartography. The aim of the study is to determine the epistemological potential of the maps as historical sources. The thesis analyzes the origin and content of maps of the period and proposes several classifications for the systematization of maps and their components. Particular attention is given to cartouches, which allow maps to be interpreted as sociocultural phenomena. The novelty of the research lies in the application of critical cartographic methods to Russian maps of the first half of the 18th century and the interpretation of maps as texts through which the ideas and representations of the era can be deconstructed.

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