Invented Territories: Maps, Power and the Colonial Atlantic Exhibition at Coimbra Observatory

This virtual exhibition explores the central role of 18th-century cartography as a tool of colonial power, organization, and knowledge in the Atlantic world. Drawing from the collection of the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra, it examines how maps transformed indigenous territories into governed colonial spaces.

Invented Territories examines the intersection of science and empire through the lens of colonial cartography. In the early 18th century, maps were far more than simple geographic representations; they functioned as powerful instruments for European empires to define boundaries, classify populations, and consolidate control over overseas territories. This exhibition draws from the archives of the Observatory to illustrate how mathematical knowledge and astronomical observation were used to standardize and measure lands that were previously defined by indigenous experience. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the process of colonization and the historical impact of these documents, highlighting the role of academic institutions like the University of Coimbra in systematizing colonial knowledge. By making these maps accessible, the project aims to foster critical dialogue, particularly with the descendants of the peoples and communities depicted in the records. As an ongoing research project, the exhibition explicitly invites collaboration to better understand and contextualize the maps from diverse perspectives.

This is a virtual exhibition accessible online. The curators invite visitors, particularly those from represented communities, to contact them via email or the provided digital form for further collaboration and contextualization.