The History of Europe [2600 BC - 2020 AD] (Animated Timelapse Map)

The history of Europe covers the peoples inhabiting Europe from prehistory to the present. The period known as classical antiquity began with the emergence of the city-states of ancient Greece. Later, the Roman Empire came to dominate the entire Mediterranean basin. The fall of the Roman Empire in AD 476 traditionally marks the start of the Middle Ages. Beginning in the 14th century a Renaissance of knowledge challenged traditional doctrines in science and theology. Simultaneously, the Protestant Reformation set up Protestant churches primarily in Germany, Scandinavia and England. After 1800, the Industrial Revolution brought prosperity to Britain and Western Europe. The main powers set up colonies in most of the Americas and Africa, and parts of Asia. In the 20th century, World War I and World War II resulted in massive numbers of deaths.

Source: Balkan History

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Review: The History of Europe (2600 BC – 2020 AD) – Every Year

At first glance, The History of Europe (2600 BC – 2020 AD) – Every Year may seem like just another animated map. Spend a little time with it, however, and it becomes clear that this infographic is doing something more ambitious: it compresses over 4,500 years of European history into a form that is surprisingly easy to follow.

What really sets this visualization apart is the decision to move year by year, without skipping long periods. That slow, continuous progression makes one thing very obvious—European borders were rarely stable. Empires such as the Holy Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, France, and Russia appear less like fixed powers and more like shifting political organisms, constantly expanding, fragmenting, and redefining themselves.

The color scheme and labeling are kept consistent throughout, which is essential given how crowded the map becomes at certain points, especially during the medieval period. Even in the most chaotic moments, the viewer can still track major changes without feeling overwhelmed. Watching borders redraw themselves repeatedly drives home how modern the idea of permanent nation-states really is.

From an educational standpoint, this infographic works exceptionally well. It does not replace detailed historical study, but it provides something textbooks often struggle with: a clear sense of continuity and change over time. For students, history enthusiasts, or anyone curious about how today’s Europe came to look the way it does, this visualization offers valuable context in a compact and engaging format.

Fun Facts

Many European borders changed dozens of times before settling into their modern shapes.

The Holy Roman Empire existed for nearly a millennium, yet its territory was constantly in flux.

Several political entities shown on the map vanished completely and never reappeared.

Watching the animation makes it clear that long-term political stability in Europe is a very recent development.