On May 20, 1570 the word’s first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the Lands of the World) was printed.

Abraham Ortelius, an Antwerp map merchant and cartographer, saw a need for a “systematic and standardized collection.” of maps. His atlas was made up of Frans Hogenberg’s  53 copperplate engraved maps, accompanied by Latin descriptions.

 
Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598)
Part of the 1942 Anti-tuberculosis Fund set
Designers: Emiel Renard and Maurice Poortman

Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598)
The first Atlases
Issued by Netherlands in 2020
Designer: Maud van Rossum

What made the Theatrum revolutionary was not just the collection of maps, but how Ortelius framed them. Unlike earlier map compilations, the Theatrum aimed to offer a comprehensive and cohesive view of the world. Each map was annotated with commentary, giving historical, cultural, and geographic context. In essence, Ortelius merged cartography with historiography and classical scholarship.
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum: Breakthrough of the Modern Atlas – The Cartographic Institute

Further editions were published in 1573, 1579, 1584, and 1603 (published after Ortelius’ death). Each volume added new maps, enlargements and improved details.