[3] In the late 18th century the artifact found its way into an antique shop, from where it became part of the collection of Cardinal Stefano Borgia.
The emphasis on history, and the traditional nomenclature (names/terms/principles) suggests that it was originally designed as a historical map, for use in a library or a school.
[4] On the Borgia map, the Garden of Eden is positioned near India superior - the mouth of the Ganges, and is portrayed as a land of marvels and precious stones.
Of the chaotic Italian state at the time, the mapmaker comments that "Italy, beautiful, fertile, strong and proud, from lack of a single lord, has no justice".
[6] The Borgia map includes a legend referring to Ebinichibel, who is described as "the Saracen Ethiopian king with his dog-headed people".