Timeline of world history

June 19, 2006 10:07 AM

I'm looking for a world history timeline that I could put on a wall...

I've seen the ask thread with wall charts that had the cosmic calendar. I need more detail, showing the history of the world, with descriptions of different areas of the world at the same time. This would be for a child, it needs to be large, with some illustrations.

A book would do, because I could get two and cut them up to make a timeline (I could see this going around a room or several rooms), but I don't like to hurt books. I'm thinking there has got to be one already made.

The ones I have found so far are biblical timelines of the world, begining with adam and eve. This is not what I'm looking for.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

posted by scubbadubba to Education (7 answers total)

Best answer: I'm guessing you're looking for something you can print out. I can't find anything that's a single chart you can download, but try here for a range of periods - you might be able to cut and paste things together, or arrange them round the room chronologically.

Alternatively, if you want to buy a purpose-made one, this one looks incredibly comprehensive.

Finally, the Wikimedia Foundation is also working on one. Not ready yet, though.
posted by greycap at 10:31 AM on June 19, 2006

I used to have one of these as a child. This isn't the one I had, but it might be what you're looking for: The British Museum Timeline of the Ancient World. It can be pulled out of the book and placed on a wall.
posted by dripdripdrop at 11:51 AM on June 19, 2006

I have this book/wall chart. It comes out of the binding so you can hang it on the wall.
posted by oneirodynia at 11:51 AM on June 19, 2006

National Geographic published one in the early 90s, it took six issues to get the whole thing, and it's about 15 feet long. My friend Vern has one, it's very detailed and nerdy (but in the good way).
posted by mattoly at 4:11 PM on June 19, 2006

Response by poster: Great ideas everyone. I'm going to see if I can get the comprehensive one greycap suggested and also check into the national geographic issues. The British musem timeline one is like what I wanted, I just wish it were more of a complete history. Maybe I can add it to some others. Thanks all.
posted by scubbadubba at 7:37 AM on June 20, 2006

Best answer: It doesn't fit your criteria of being large/with pictures, but I've been fascinated by the idea behind this timeline chart, as reviewed on Kevin Kelly's "Cool Tools" website, where the different civilizations graphically taper in and out of influence/power, and different parts of the world can be compared quickly.
posted by mhespenheide at 3:12 PM on June 20, 2006

Response by poster: Thanks mhespenheidet , I've seen that one, the Histomap. I've been looking for a copy of it, but haven't located one yet. I think it's great, even without pictures. I've been checking amazon and ebay for used copies.
posted by scubbadubba at 4:10 PM on June 20, 2006