Exploration in Othello
Exploration was a global societal theme during Shakespeare's time. This constant theme of discovery and rightful claim to these new places focused much of the cultural mindset of things that were new, different, and strange. This close-up of a map from "Americae Pars Sexta" by Theodor de Bry, a book of maps and travel accounts from various explorations, perfectly exemplifies the common idea that anything considered "the other" was mystical because of its strangeness. Here these figures are shown in strange positions and surrounded by mythical creatures, further perpetuating the connection between the occult and the foreign.
This is seen quite heavily in "Othello" as other characters in the play often root their view of the Moor in the fact that he is a foriegner. Because of his different origins his stories are magical and engaging, and he seems to carry a mysticism about him. Othello, for his part, often uses this misconception to his advantage, capitilizing on people's fear and fascination with him to get his way.