This video brilliantly demonstrates just how much Europe has changed throughout history

This simple but incredible clip brilliantly illustrates the changes Europe has experienced in the last millennium.

The video, which was posted on YouTube by user jase333, shows a map of Europe changing in colour and layout in accordance with the continent's geopolitical developments from 1000 all the way to 2003. 

The clip manages to capture the changes the continent has experienced throughout the immense timeline - from the height of the Byzantine Empire to the fall of the Soviet Union. 

Accompanied by orchestral music - it makes quite the watch.