Historical atlas · Map guide
Interactive Roman Empire map
Explore the Roman Empire on a dated map of the Mediterranean. The map opens on 1 January 117 CE with the empire selected. Inspect its outline, then move the timeline to explore other periods.
Read the Roman Empire boundary for 117 CE
The selected Roman Empire period starts in 117 and ends in 118. Read these dates in the details panel, then use the timeline to explore another stage of Roman history.
Trace the outline around the Mediterranean and zoom in on its edges. The Countries layer shows the empire alongside other territories at the same date. Search for a neighboring territory to compare its historical period.
Compare Roman territory across different dates
Enter another year to see the boundaries at that date. Turn on All periods and search Roman to find other stages, then select a result to open its historical period. This is useful when a later territory uses a different name.
Keep the camera over the Mediterranean while changing the date to compare Roman territory across periods. Use the previous and next change controls to move between dates when a territory begins or ends.
Territories in this starting view
Explore these territories at this page's starting date. The Countries layer contains 15 active territory records worldwide at this date.
| Territory | Recorded start | Recorded end |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Empire | 0117 | 0118 |
How to use the historical map
- Enter a year and choose CE or BCE. Set the month and day when you need a particular date.
- Choose a region or drag the map to the area you want to investigate.
- Search for a territory and open its details. Enable All periods to search outside the current date.
- Move the timeline, play it automatically, or jump to the previous or next recorded boundary change.
- Use Share view to copy the current date and camera. Export GeoJSON to download the active records in the selected layer.
Questions about historical maps
What is a historical map?
A historical map represents geography at a specified past date or period. This atlas reconstructs recorded political boundaries on a modern coastline. It is a dated border viewer, rather than a collection of scanned maps printed in the past.
How do I see country borders in a particular year?
Enter the year, choose CE or BCE, and set the month and day. The map displays records whose start date has been reached and whose end date has not yet been reached. Use the region controls to move the camera without changing the selected date.
Which years does the timeline cover?
You can choose dates from 8000 BCE through 29 September 2026. Use Ancient, Pre-modern, Modern, or All time to change the timeline range, then enter a year or drag the timeline to explore a particular date.
Can I download the historical map as GeoJSON?
Yes. Use Export GeoJSON for the current date to download the territories displayed in the selected country or empire layer. Choose the date and layer before exporting to save that view's boundaries.