Sometimes a visualisation of history can be quite powerful in seeing what the world has gone through. I recently came across this fascinating video showing the formation, expansion and decline of many civilizations in Europe. It is nice to watch as a particular land gets criss-crossed over time by various nations. 

The map animation particularly looks similar to what we see in our Risk games everyday and has a somewhat familiar feel to it. I wish the makers of the video stamped the animation with a year and also I wish to see this type of animation for the whole world and for much longer than 1000 years, may be starting from 5000 years ago to include Egyptians as well. 

Is anyone aware of such a video, or here is a challenge, is anyone up for it to make one? 

UPDATE (31/12/2010): The video is unfortunately pulled from YouTube. I have included another source below. 

UPDATE (10/2/2015): Unfortunately this video was also pulled from the net. 

UPDATE (8/12/2022): Here is a much better video of history of Europe since 400BC, complete with dramatic music. It is fun to watch. I like the inclusion of population as well. Enjoy. 

UPDATE (29/1/2024): Here is a great video of the history of the world since 3200BC. They rise and always fall; then something new starts. Don't take anything for granted; change is the only constant. Embrace it. Watching it makes me want to play Risk!