We are using these timelines from GeoMatters.
http://www.home-school-curriculum.com/category/history-and-timelines
I got a great deal at a conference! Scroll down to bottom, Historical Timeline and Bible Timeline. My pkg included both plus the laminated wall chart. It was all under $40…so I know that it doesn’t help you now!
In the cd-rom, there are inventors as well as some artists(not all). But there is a way to make your own on the cd as well! I, like you, started the clip art journey long ago…and never could finish it! This timeline is also color and picture coded.
For instance, blue is for Europe, zig zag line border(time period), swords in corner(Battle) Picture represents the subject, and lists the event and date. Don’t know if that makes sense?
HTH!