While Europe is home to dozens of languages, most European writing systems fall into just three main alphabet categories: Latin, Cyrillic, and Greek. As seen on the maps throughout the article, the distribution of these alphabets across the continent reveals fascinating historical, cultural, and geopolitical patterns. Latin Alphabet Dominance The Latin alphabet, originating from ancient … Read more
It’s easy to take for granted which side of the road we drive on. Today, most of Europe drives on the right, with only the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus maintaining left-hand traffic. But a century ago, the map looked quite different. A Divided Continent In 1922, Europe was deeply divided on this seemingly … Read more
The genetic landscape of Europe, as shown on the map above, tells a fascinating story of human migration, settlement patterns, and historical population movements that have shaped the continent over thousands of years. By analyzing haplogroups—genetic population groups that share a common ancestor—scientists can trace the deep ancestry of modern Europeans. What Are Haplogroups? Haplogroups … Read more
While the transatlantic slave trade is widely discussed in Western education, the Arab slave trade across Africa was equally significant and operated for a considerably longer period. Beginning in the 7th century and continuing well into the 20th century in some regions, this complex network of slave routes connected sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa, the … Read more
The map above shows the locations of all Seven Wonders across the ancient world, stretching from Egypt to present-day Turkey and Greece, along with a timeline of their construction and destruction. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a collection of remarkable constructions listed by various Hellenic writers. These magnificent structures, built between 2600 … Read more
The map above shows the Viking expansion that spanned from the years 790 to 1066. The Viking Age, spanning from approximately 790 to 1066 CE, marks one of history’s most remarkable periods of exploration, trade, and conquest. During these nearly three centuries, Norse seafarers from modern-day Scandinavia ventured far beyond their homelands, dramatically altering the … Read more
The map above illustrates the probability of snow cover on Christmas Day throughout Europe, revealing some interesting patterns that might surprise holiday travelers and winter enthusiasts alike. For many Europeans, the dream of waking up to a blanket of snow on Christmas morning remains just that—a dream. The probability of experiencing a white Christmas varies … Read more
The map above depicts the so-called Hippie Trail routes throughout Europe and Asia back in the 1960s and 1970s. Before budget airlines and digital nomadism, adventurous Western travelers of the 1960s and 1970s pioneered one of history’s most iconic overland journeys – the legendary Hippie Trail. The Route This network of routes stretched from Western … Read more
In North America, license plate requirements vary significantly between jurisdictions. While some require vehicles to display plates on both the front and rear, others mandate only rear plates. This patchwork of regulations creates an interesting geographical pattern across the continent. United States: A Nation Divided On Plates Of the 50 U.S. states, 31 require both … Read more
The map above shows the Sahara Desert, when it was void of sand 8,000 years ago, reconstructed in a map named “Ancient Lakes of the Sahara” by Carl Churchill. A Vastly Different Landscape The Sahara Desert we know today—a vast, arid expanse of sand and rock stretching across northern Africa—was once a lush, green landscape … Read more