Map of pre-colonized America. Source: TheCollector

A map of North America showing the territories of various indigenous tribes before the advent of colonialism. 

Map: Pre-Columbian North America with Indigenous Territories

Map showing ancient China's Qing Dynasty. Source: TheCollector

Map showing ancient China under the Manchu-led Qing dynasty (also Great Qing). The dynasty ruled China from 1644 until 1912 when its last emperor, Xuantong, abdicated.

Map: Qing Dynasty

Empire of Mali under Mansa Musa (1337). Source: TheCollector

This map shows the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa in 1337, highlighting key cities, trade routes, and goldfields.

Map: Empire of Mali under Mansa Musa (1337)

Map showing the Persian retreat of the battle of Marathon (490 BCE). Source: TheCollector

Map showing the Persian retreat that followed after the rapid Greek charge and ensuing engagement. The Persian retreat to the ships having suffered heavy losses as the Greeks pursue.

Map: Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) – Persian Retreat

The second phase of the Battle of Marathon, during which the Athenians and their Plataean hoplites ran across the Marathon plain. Source: TheCollector

In the second phase of the Battle of Marathon, the Athenians and their Plataean allies ran across the Marathon plain, surprising the Persians and minimizing the impact of their archers. This rapid advance of the Greek hoplites surprised the Persians..

Map: Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) – The Greek Charge

The deployment phase of the battle of Marathon (490 BCE). Source: TheCollector

In the deployment phase of the battle of Marathon (490 BCE), the Athenians and their Plataean allies, under general Miltiades deployed with a thin center and strong wings, stretching their line to prevent envelopment. This unconventional formation, combined with a surprise charge, countered Persian numbers and led to a Greek victory.

Map: Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) – Deployment Phase

The map illustrates the final phase of the naval engagement at Salamis. The Persian fleet is shown in full retreat and disarray, with scattered ships attempting to escape the strait. The Greek vessels are depicted in pursuit, consolidating their victory in the waters around Salamis and on the island of Psyttaleia.

Map: Battle of Salamis (480 BCE) – Persian Retreat

During the main engagement phase of the Battle of Salamis, the Persian fleet, unable to employ its superior numbers in the narrow strait, is being encircled by the lighter and faster Greek vessels (triremes). In disarray, the Persian forces are being pushed out of the strait.

Map: Battle of Salamis (480 BCE) – Encirclement of Persian Fleet

In the second phase of the battle of Salamis, the Persian fleet is shown attacking the Greek army. The two fleets are aligned facing each other. 

Map: Battle of Salamis (480 BCE) – Initial Attack

Map illustrating the initial deployments and movements before the battle of Salamis (480 BCE), one of the most decisive battles of the Greco-Persian Wars. The Greek fleet, positioned near Salamis, shows Athenian, Corinthian, Spartan, and Aeginetan (Reserve) contingents. The Persian forces, including Phoenician, Ionian, Carian, Dorian, Cyprian, Cilician, and Hellespontine Greek contingents, are shown with their night movements near Attica and Psyttaleia. The "X" marks the location of King Xerxes on land in Attica.

Map: Battle of Salamis (480 BCE) – Deployment Phase

Map of the travels of Odysseus according to Homer's Odyssey. Source: TheCollector

This illustrated map traces the legendary 10-year long journey of Odysseus as described in Homer’s Odyssey. The route marks the locations of iconic episodes such as the sacking of Ismarus, encounters with the Cyclops, Circe, Scylla and Charybdis, and the Lotus-Eaters, as well as Odysseus' seven-year captivity on Calypso’s island. The route culminates in Odysseus’ return to Ithaca. 

Map: Odysseus’ Journey in Homer’s Odyssey

This map depicts the final phase of the Battle of Cannae, showcasing Hannibal’s double envelopment tactic that led to one of the worst defeats in Roman military history. The Carthaginian cavalry, having routed the Roman horsemen, returned to attack from the rear, while Libyan infantry closed in from the flanks. This maneuver trapped the Roman army in a tightening pocket, leading to the death of over 40,000-70,000 Roman soldiers.

Map: Battle of Cannae (216 BCE) – Encirclement & Destruction of the Roman Army

A map of the first phase of the Battle of Cannae, one of the most decisive engagements of the Second Punic War between Hannibal’s Carthaginian army and Rome’s legions in 216 BCE. The map shows the strategic deployment of the Roman and Allied infantry, flanked by cavalry units under consuls Varro and Aemilius Paullus, facing Hannibal’s diverse multinational force of Iberians, Celts, Numidians, and Libyans. Key tactical formations, such as the crescent-shaped Carthaginian infantry center, the elite cavalry under Hasdrubal, and Numidian skirmishers under Mago, are clearly marked. The map highlights the pivotal encirclement maneuver that led to Rome's catastrophic defeat, showcasing the beginning of Hannibal’s famed double envelopment tactic.

Map: Battle of Cannae (216 BCE) – Deployment & Initial Attack

Map showing the heartland of the Kushite Kingdom and its greatest extent when it conquered Egypt and established the 25th dynasty which reigned from 744 to 656 BCE.

Map: Kingdom of Kush

Map of the Silk Road. Source: TheCollector

A map of the Silk Road, the extensive network of trade routes that facilitated the movement and exchange of goods between East and West, from China all the way to Constantinople and Alexandria. 

Maps & Historical Resources