Maps of War: March of Democracy

Maps of War: The Visual History of War, Religion and Government offers Flash animated maps to help users understand historical and current events. The latest addition to the site is March of Democracy, charting the ebb and flow of democratic ideals through history and across the map of the world:

Where has democracy dominated and where has it retreated? This map gives us a visual ballet of democracy's march across history as the most popular form of government. From the first ancient republics to the rise of self-governing nations, see the history of democracy: 4,000 years in 90 seconds...!

Other maps include:

History of Religion: How has the geography of religion evolved over the centuries? and Imperial History: Who has controlled the Middle East over the course of history?