For this timeline there are for me at least 2 easy ways ... each point is relative and got before and after elements and both positioned absolute (one becomes t

For this timeline there are for me at least 2 easy ways ... each point is relative and got before and after elements and both positioned absolute (one becomes the dot - the other the line). You have to think through what you need and how you can reach your goal with at least effort as possible (in this case with virtual elements). If more complex graphics should be painted you have to think about alternatives like SVG. You always should ask yourself "how can I paint this or that" Learning CSS is IMHO something which takes a while. This means that you should look at how others did something. Than you some day got a gut feeling how something should be done so and so. There is no golden path in CSS mastery other than exercise exercise exercise and look and the ideas of others and copy them. CSS is hard but cool and many people hate it but if you know what to do CSS is a great tool.