Map created by wikimedia user -kayacThis map written in Italian depicts the territories and trade routes of the Republic of Venice in the 15th and 16th centuries at the height of its power. It shows the extent of Venetian influence and control during that time.

Below is the translation of the Italian terms into English:

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Created by Charles Minard in 1869The graphic you above is Charles Joseph Minard’s famous flow map illustrating the disastrous losses suffered by Napoleon’s army in the Russian campaign of 1812-1813.

This map is often cited as one of the best examples of data visualization due to its detailed and multidimensional portrayal of information. And statistician professor Edward Tufte described the graphic as what “may well be the best statistical graphic ever drawn.”

Here are the key elements of the graphic:

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Map created by Alexander AltenhofThis map of Europe in 1812 depicts the continent during the height of French power during the Napoleonic Wars.

The boundaries and political entities shown are reflective of the territorial changes brought about by Napoleon Bonaparte’s conquests and alliances.

Here are some key details:

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Map created by Wikimedia user Alphathon, click for larger versionThe map above is written in German and shows the Holy Roman Empire during the reign of the Hohenstaufen Emperors, a period which spanned from the mid-12th century to the late 13th century.

Here are some key points about this era:

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