Everyone knows I’m a history nut, but I’m not sure how many people know I also love maps. Maps are great. I used to spend hours as a child looking through a huge over-sized atlas my father had bought. So what happens when I discover a site that combines both at the same time? You get told about it that’s what.
The Map As History is a pretty neat site using multimedia maps to explore topics in European history. I’ve always loved these, ever since I watched Why We Fight in my youth, with its black arrows spreading across Europe representing the Nazi takeover. The coverage is mainly European history and from about 1815 to the present day, but there’s a good bit in there. You can preview a few maps for free, but a topic set is $9.99. From what I can see, each topic contains about 20 maps, each one lasting five minutes or so.
Of course, it’s not in depth. They’re more like survey explorations. However, they’re perfect for anyone who might be interested, but doesn’t want to read a 900 page book on the independence of Belgium in the process.
-K
