Ancient Oecumene and Its Mysteries

Ancient Greek sophists believed that Oekumene included three continents — Europe, Asia, and Libya. Hellas, for sure, was in its center. Hellenic scientists expressed their understanding of the structure of the surrounding world mainly in descriptions. Maps based on these descriptions were created by other people and much later. It remains a mystery why all continents received female names, who those famous women really were, and why they deserved such a high honor. In their numerous writings, the Greeks described the Riphean Mountains that separate Europe from Asia, as well as the mysterious country of Hyperborea, occurring in the north of the Oecumene. Are these geographic objects real? If yes, where are they and what are their names now?

Hellas, ancient Greek sophists, Europe, Asia, Riphean Mountains, Hyperborea