There are two types of maps that are used by researchers looking into the past: historical atlases & maps and historic (old) maps.
An historical atlas is an atlas that contains maps that depict historical events and historical topics. These atlases can be used by researchers to understand the historical geo-political landscapes of a given period or region of the world. Historical Atlases usually contain thematic maps depicting historic geopolitical boundaries, but may also include socio-economic data displayed using on maps, tables and charts. Historical Atlases may also include reproductions of maps from that period of focus. In addition, it is also common to have photograph and essays included in historical atlases.
For information on how to find historic (old) maps, such as a map produced in the 19th Century, please consult our historic map guide or visit the scanned map collections section of this guide.
The Map Collection stacks, the Scott Library stacks and Frost Library all have historical atlas collections. To find a historical atlas on your topic, do a keyword search for “historical atlas” and include the place, historic event, or topic. For Example: “historical atlas” and “United States” ; “historical atlas” and Islam.
Historical Atlas of South-East Asia by
This book deals with the historical development of South-East Asia (Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines) from the earliest times to the present. In the first section a chronological survey in succinct form of the history of the area is presented so as to provide the reader with the background information necessary to make adequate use of the second section. That part of the book can be used on its own, portraying the history of South-East Asia in 64 pages of maps which cover such items as the formation of states and empires, the migration of peoples, trade routes, cultural and economic aspects, the rise and decline of colonialism and the political development of the post-colonial era. All maps are coloured. The text part places each map in its historical context, providing also lists of kings, presidents etc. It is concluded by an extensive bibliography and by two indexes, one of the geographical names on the maps and in the text and one of the names of the numerous persons mentioned in the text.
Historical Atlas of the Ancient World by
This new atlas of the ancient world illustrates the political, economic, social and cultural developments in the ancient Near East, the Mediterranean world, the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic world and the Holy Roman Empire from the 3rd millennium BC until the 15th century AD. The atlas has 170 large color maps that document the main historical developments. Each map is accompanied by a text that outlines the main historical developments. These texts include bibliographies and 65 additional maps, tables and stemmata that provide further elucidation.
Historical Atlas of the Bible Lands by
Taking in such important themes as the powerful early city-states that dominated the plains, the technological developments that led to terrace farming and population growth in the highlands and the origins and influence of the Philistines, The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Bible Lands will explore the relationship between the books of the Bible and the land from which they came. Including detailed maps on topics ranging from the wanderings of Abraham to Modern Jerusalem, a comprehensive timeline comparing developments in Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, Asia Minor, Greece and Rome and a gazetteer of biblical place-names. Coverage of the familiar events of the world's greatest book is supplemented by features on the alphabet, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Zionist movement as the book's scope continues beyond the biblical period to explore the Islamic conquests, the Crusades, the British Mandate and the current struggles between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Historical Atlas of the United States by
This atlas is an authoritative guide to the history of the United States. From the formation of the continent up through current events and information based on the most recent census, this work uses the geography of the United States to portray the history of the land and its people. The 300-plus maps tell the engaging story of America with detailed, clear information; accompanying text highlights key information presented in each map. An indispensable tool for students and educators alike, the Historical Atlas of the United States is destined to become a classic in the field.
The New Atlas of World History by
The world at a glance at pivotal moments in history When did humans first inhabit different parts of the world? What was happening in China when Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire? What was the global reach of the great religions at the time of the Reformation in Europe? The New Atlas of World History is the first historical atlas to present global history in a series of uniform world maps, allowing at-a-glance comparison between different periods and regions. This stunningly illustrated atlas features 55 specially commissioned full-color maps that cover the whole of human history, from 6 million years ago to today. Accompanying 48 of the maps are detailed illustrated timelines that list important cultures, events, and developments. Maps and timelines also come with concise introductions that summarize notable historical and cultural changes, as well as striking graphic displays that present key data such as the world's five largest cities and total world population for the relevant year. An extensive glossary of peoples, cultures, and nations gives added depth to the maps and timelines. Ideal for quick reference or for an authoritative overview of the human story, The New Atlas of World History provides an unrivaled global perspective on pivotal moments throughout history, from the origins and distribution of early humans to the shifting balance of world power today. Enables at-a-glance comparison between different periods and regions Features 55 stunning full-color maps Includes 48 illustrated timelines, concise text, and an extensive glossary Traces the origins and spread of writing, trade, religion, and much more
The Routledge Atlas of African American History by 
The Routledge Atlas of Jewish History by
This newly revised and updated edition of spans over four thousand years of history in 154 maps, presenting a vivid picture of a fascinating people and the trials and tribulations which have haunted their story. The themes covered include: Prejudice and Violence; Migrations and Movements; Society, Trade and Culture; and Politics, Government and War.
The Routledge Atlas of the First World War by
From its origins to its terrible legacy, the tortuous course of the Great War is vividly set out in a series of 174 fascinating maps. Together the maps form a comprehensive and compelling picture of the war that shattered Europe, and illustrate its military, social, political and economic aspects. Beginning with the tensions that already existed, the atlas covers: the early months of the war: from the fall of Belgium to the fierce fighting at Ypres and Tannenberg: the developing war in Europe: from Gallipoli to the horrors of the Somme and Verdun life at the front: from living underground, the trench system and the mud of Passchendaele to the war graves technology and the new horrors: from phosgene gas attacks to submarines, tanks and mines the home fronts: from German food riots to the air defence of Britain, the Russian Revolution and the collapse of Austria-Hungary the aftermath: from war debts and war deaths to the new map of Europe. This third edition contains an entirely new section depicting the visual remembrance of the war; a fascinating visitors' guide to the memorials that commemorate the tragedy of the Somme.
The Routledge Atlas of the Holocaust by
The graphic history of the Nazi attempt to destroy the Jews of Europe during the Second World War is illustrated in this series of 333 detailed maps. The maps, and the text and photographs that accompany them, powerfully depict the fate of the Jews between 1933 and 1945, while also setting the chronological story in the wider context of the war itself. The maps include: historical background - from the effects of anti-Jewish violence between 1880 and 1933 to the geography of the existing Jewish communities before the advent of the Nazis the beginning of the violence - from the destruction of the synagogues in November 1938 to Jewish migrations and deportations, the ghettos, and the establishment of the concentration camps and death camps throughout German-dominated Europe the spread of Nazi rule - the fate of the Jews throughout Europe including Germany, Austria, Poland, Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Russia, Denmark, Norway, France, Holland, Belgium, Italy, and the Baltic States Jewish revolts and resistance - acts of armed resistance, fighting in the forests, individual acts of courage Jews in hiding - escape routes, Christians who helped Jews the death marches - the advance of the Allies and the liberation of the camps, the survivors, and the final death toll. This revised edition includes a new section which gives an insight into the layout and organization of some of the most significant places of the Holocaust, including Auschwitz, Treblinka and the Warsaw ghetto, maps that will be especially useful to those visiting the sites.
The Routledge Atlas of the Second World War by
In The Routledge Atlas of the Second World War, Martin Gilbert graphically charts the war's political, military, economic and social history through 257 illuminating maps. The atlas covers all the major events from the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 to the defeat of Japan in August 1945. Focusing on the human - and inhuman - aspects of the war, The Routledge Atlas of the Second World War includes examination of: military, naval and air campaigns on all the war fronts the war on land, at sea and in the air the economic and social aspects of the war the global nature of the war, in armed combat and in suffering the impact of the war on civilians, both under occupation, and as deportees and refugees the aftermath of the war: post-war political and national boundaries; war graves; and the human cost of the war on every continent. This paperback edition includes several updates to existing maps, as well as ten new maps, specially drawn for this edition. The new maps include examinations of Japanese- American and African- American soldiers serving with the United States Army, British women special agents, Belgium at War, and the German occupation of the Channel Islands.
Concise Historical Atlas of Canada by 
Historical Atlas of Canada, Volumes 1 to 3 by 
The Historical Atlas of Prince Edward Island by
The Historical Atlas of Prince Edward Island presents history from the vantage point of the artists and map-makers who depicted the people, places and events of the Island in visual and graphic form. The book is heavily illustrated with full-colour maps, paintings, drawings and other illustrative material depicting culture, countryside and events.Using carefully selected antique maps, engravings, watercolours and images drawn from museum, archive and private collections, The Historical Atlas of Prince Edward Island provides a rich, illustrated history of the province, a record of "the ways we saw ourselves then."
Atlas of Canada. 2nd Edition. by Atlas of Canada. 3rd Edition. by 
The National Atlas of Canada. 4th Edition. by 
