This is a panoramic view of world history from the time the first humans appeared to the present day. Each section is introduced by a series of maps which give a bird's eye view of the state of the world at significant moments in each era. These snapshot surveys are then followed by area maps which give regional detail, depicting the growth of empires, military campaigns, and the spread of settlements, towns, agriculture and technology. Cultural and religious developments are also shown. To complete the picture, each map carries with it a wealth of annotation and is supported by essays and timelines.