Medieval geography refers to the understanding and representation of the world during the Middle Ages, roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century. During this time, maps were often based on religious beliefs and classical texts, such as those by Ptolemy. Many medieval maps, like the Mappa Mundi, depicted a flat Earth with Jerusalem at the center, reflecting the spiritual and cultural priorities of the era. Exploration during the medieval period was limited, with most knowledge coming from trade routes and pilgrimages. The Silk Road and Crusades expanded geographic knowledge, introducing Europeans to new regions and cultures. However, much of the world remained unexplored, leading to a mix of accurate and mythical representations in medieval cartography.