Histomap: Visualizing the 4,000 Year History of Global Power

This histomap, created in 1931 by John B. Sparks, is probably one of the most interesting bits of info you’ll probably come across in a while and serves as a good break from today’s politics.

 

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Imagine creating a timeline of your country’s whole history stretching back to its inception.

It would be no small task, and simply weighing the relative importance of so many great people, technological achievements, and pivotal events would be a tiny miracle in itself.

While that seems like a challenge, imagine going a few steps further. Instead of a timeline for just one country, what about creating a graphical timeline showing the history of the entire world over a 4,000 year time period, all while having no access to computers or the internet?

Australia’s Place in the “Asian Century”

Cultural imperialism is reshaping the Australian culture while its economic and miltary clout is forcing it to pivot towards the Asian giant and distance itself further from the United States.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s government has developed a bold plan for embracing the “Asian Century.” Can words be turned into deeds?

The Asian century is rich, restless and already 12 years old. And, of all nations, Australia stands to be profoundly affected by this era of rapid change – whether the region resolves into a golden age of prosperity and human development or collapses in strategic turmoil.