The plan is modifiable to an extent, but I think the main creativity move I'm gonna make is creative texturing if I can pull it off. Don't be discouraged by the theme, just make a map, I'm sure you can come with a plausible explanation why is it connected to history after you make it. If you're running out of ideas, ask for help =)
EDIT:
Here are some images for inspiration
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...om_air.jpg
http://great-castles.com/images/bodiam/bodiam52.jpg
http://www.pilgrimtours.com/images/Didym...010401.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...astle..png
http://www.travelwest.net/files/large/grandcanyon.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...Nikole.JPG
http://twng32.files.wordpress.com/2012/1...jpg?w=1128
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...vatory.jpg
EDIT:
Here are some images for inspiration
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...om_air.jpg
http://great-castles.com/images/bodiam/bodiam52.jpg
http://www.pilgrimtours.com/images/Didym...010401.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...astle..png
http://www.travelwest.net/files/large/grandcanyon.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...Nikole.JPG
http://twng32.files.wordpress.com/2012/1...jpg?w=1128
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...vatory.jpg