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Continents and consequences: the history of a concept

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 October 2014

Peter J. Yearwood
Peter J. Yearwood*
Affiliation:
University of Papua New Guinea, P.O. Box 320, University Post Office, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea E-mail: yearwopj@upng.ac.pg
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Abstract

Originally intended to provide an accessible overview for colleagues in Papua New Guinea, this article outlines the emergence of the continental division of the world in classical antiquity. In medieval Europe this survived as a learned conception which eventually acquired emotional content. Nevertheless, the division was still within the context of universal Christianity, which did not privilege any continent. Contrary to the views of recent critics, the European sense of world geography was not inherently ‘Eurocentric’. While Europeans did develop a sense of continental superiority, Americans, Africans, and many Asians also came to identify themselves with their continents and to use them as weapons against European domination. The application of the division to Melanesia is also considered.

Keywords

continentsAfricaAmericaAsiaEuropeMelanesia
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Global History , Volume 9 , Issue 3 , November 2014 , pp. 329 - 356
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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References

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