The Map ArchiveThe Map Archive
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Yes, the maps available from the Map Archive are intended primarily for educational use or for personal research purposes. Maps are highly effective, and concise, ways of telling complex stories, using visual means to convey detailed information.
Maps of the British Empire are located under the Empires collection in the Collections tab. On the Map Archive, many major stories from world history are grouped, and viewable, under thematic headings, making it easy to navigate between empires, wars, religions and civilizations.
The maps that are contained in the Map Archive collection cover the entire span of human history, from the early formation of the globe 2 million years ago and early prehistoric cultures, right up to the present day, including the conflict in Gaza and the war in Ukraine.
The maps in the Map Archive collection carry a wealth of information, including territorial expansion, trade routes, conquest, settlement, movement of peoples, exploration, material culture, and conflict.
The British Empire, once the largest in history, expanded through colonization, trade, and conquest, reshaping maps and destinies alike. Beginning in the 16th century, British explorers charted new territories, marking them with imperial ambitions. By the 19th century, the empire’s reach spanned continents, illustrated vividly in maps adorned with hues of pink signifying British dominion. In the 20th century struggles for independence meant that most of the maps of the former British Empire had to be re-drawn, reflecting the new world order.