Originally published in 1982, this atlas of world history - like its parent volume, "'The Times' Atlas of World History" - combines original maps with text, and offers a comprehensive view of the story of humanity. From the emergence of the first hominids five million years ago to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the full sweep of human history is covered. This atlas makes a companion for anyone who seeks to understand the past, and is useful as a reference for all who study and enjoy history. This fifth edition has been updated to include all the most important developments of the recent past - the successor states of the Soviet Union, the civil war in Yugoslavia, the ethnic fragmentation of Europe, the peace process in the Middle East, the economic rise of South-East Asia and China, and the rapidly changing face of world trade.