Here are the tallest buildings throughout history

Defying gravity by building towards the sky is no easy, or inexpensive, feat.

Designer Martin Vargic of Halcyon Maps has made the six graphics below, documenting the rise of the tallest buildings throughout history. All black silhouetted buildings have held the record for that continent's tallest, while red silhouetted buildings have have also held the record of world's tallest. The grey silhouetted structures are notable towers and monuments and are included just for context.

Check out the graphics below:

NOW WATCH: 14 things you didn't know your iPhone headphones could do

Please enable Javascript to watch this video