I work explaining observations of our world to other people. Using visualization to convey complex ideas is a big part of the task; so I’m always on the lookout for interesting and creative ideas. I was directed to this graphic representation of the change in European leaders and political boundaries over the last couple millennia. I think it does a very good job of describing the rise, persistence, and fall of governments over time.
One gets a great appreciation for how little you know of even relatively recent history. I see the rise of Alexander the Great, the coming of Attila and the Mongols, the breakup of the Ottoman Empire. But watch the Iberian Peninsula—how little I know of that history.
What happened in Russia around 1200 AD?
I was surprised that the penetration of the Swedes into Russia and eastern Europe was so constrained.
Anyway, have fun comparing your knowledge of European history to the political boundaries.