Sven Hedin
1865–1952 · Swedish (Stockholm) · Late Victorian / Modern Era
Known for: Explorer of Central Asia who mapped the Silk Road, discovered the ruins of Loulan, and charted the Transhimalayas—but his Nazi sympathies destroyed his reputation
Hedin made four major expeditions through Central Asia, mapping the Taklamakan Desert, discovering the wandering Lop Nor lake, finding the buried city of Loulan, and tracing the Transhimalayan range. He was an extraordinary artist who illustrated his own discoveries.
He was also controversial—he supported Germany in both World Wars and had friendly relations with Nazi leaders, which permanently damaged his reputation. He nearly died of thirst in the Taklamakan and barely survived the deserts he mapped.
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