The Evolution of the Map of Europe

Stumbled across the clip below charting the evolution of the map of Europe after 1000 AD.  While the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD set the framework for the eventual borders of France, Germany and the lands in the middle they squabbled over for the next 1000 years, there was a lot of movement along the rest of the map.  In Spain you can see the collapse of the Caliphate of Cordoba and the Reconquista.  At the same time you see the gradual consolidation of the Spanish Kingdoms starting with the union of Leon and Castile, the union of Aragon and Valencia and finally the creation of modern Spain after the marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon to Isabel of Castile.  You see the gradual fragmentation of France and Germany.  However, France recovers much faster while Germany does not unite until the 19th century.  In the East the might Byzantine Empire gradually crumbles and is replaced by the Ottoman Empire which is swept away after the war.  The various Balkan states break away from the Byzantines, only to be swallowed by the Ottomans until they regain independence in the 19th century.  Kievan Rus is overrun by the Mongols until the Principality of Muscovy creates the Russian Empire.  Scandinavia goes thru assorted attempts at political union before separating out into its constituent cultures.  England and Scotland are surprisingly stable until they unite after the death of Elizabeth I.  Poland reaches the height of its glory during the Polish-Lithuanian union only to disappear off the map. It emerges after World War I only to be suppressed again during World War II and then re-emerging with borders moved west after the war.  Finally you see the evolution of the current map after the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of Yugoslavia.  Enjoy the clip below:

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