Lithuania in the ancient Italian states' historical accounts from the late 1400s to the early 1700s ; Lietuva senovės Italijos valstybių istoriniuose šaltiniuose XV–XVI a. : moderniosios forma mentis link

Abstract

During late 15th century both cartographical and literary accounts were mainly intended as symbolic Christian interpretations of Europe. It was even imagined as physically protected from the infidels by mythical physical elements such as the Riphean Mountains. This symbolism characterized the 16th and early 17th century literature as well despite a better knowledge of Northern and Eastern Europe. The supposed unity of Christian Europe had to be represented as a real unity able to overcome all doctrinal and political divergences, thus including Muscovy and criticizing those who opposed its supposed integration – i.e., Poland-Lithuania.