Where does Britain sit in the sweep of world history? Compare 14 major empires and civilisations across 5,000 years, trace the lives of the figures who shaped them, and explore each nation's key events alongside Britain's story.
Each bar represents the span of a major power. Britain's timeline runs the full width. Hover any bar for dates and context. Click to jump to that nation's profile.
The monarchs, generals, philosophers, and reformers whose lives intersected with Britain's story — from Cleopatra to Churchill. Each figure is placed at the height of their influence.
Explore the key events of every civilisation on the chart, and how they intersect with Britain's story. Filter by era.