Sumptuously illustrating the vivid parade of a thousand years of history, this comprehensive historical atlas concentrates on the Mediterranean world but also shows what happened across the globe between A.D. 400 and 1500 —from the fall of Rome to the age of discovery. Every page glistens with period works of art, fascinating maps, quotes from medieval figures, close-ups of intriguing artifacts, and rich landscape photographs of the places where battles were fought and monarchs were crowned. For every century, a signature city is spotlighted to represent that era's developments. Time lines connect the many dramatic events that took place in these dark and exciting times, which continue to shape our world today. Written by a team of veteran National Geographic writers, this richly illustrated reference includes full index, reading list, and glossary.

John M. Thompson has authored 10 books and contributed to more than 30. His most recent books, both published by National Geographic, are Dakotas: Where the West Begins and An Uncommon History of Common Things, coauthored with Bethanne Kelly Patrick. He wrote National Geographic's 2004 edition of The Revolutionary War and coauthored National Geographic's Almanac of American History. He has also contributed articles to National Geographic Traveler and to the Washington Post.