Crypts, Tombs, and Secret Rooms

It was once said that anyone who entered the Russian village of Dargavs would never leave...alive. This community, now called the City of Dead, contains about 100 crypts in the form of tiny white houses, some dating back more than 300 years. This noteworthy volume addresses the legends and myths of this mysterious place, including lore that people were sealed into their crypts while still alive. Thoughtful sidebars, carefully selected images, and a thorough timeline are valuable additions to this high-interest text.

The Irish tomb called Newgrange dates back 5,000 years. It's no ordinary tomb. The impressive mound is surrounded by 97 stones, is decorated with artwork, and seems to have passages built for a purpose. Readers are invited on a tour of this mysterious monument, on which they'll discover the latest theories about the builders of Newgrange, who was buried there, and what these ancient people believed about the afterlife. Archaeology and history lovers will find plenty to love in the dynamic images and insightful text.

The tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, is guarded by an army of more than 6,000 life-size terracotta warriors. Doubtless many untold treasures and secrets are sealed in the unopened burial chamber-and perhaps a deadly river of mercury, too. Young archaeologists will delight in learning about this famous ruler and his quest for eternal life. They'll find out how the latest technology is being used to reveal more about the tomb's contents while preserving its artifacts. Beautifully vivid photographs complement the intriguing text, while a timeline aids in summarizing key historical details.

The Pyramids of Giza are 4,000-year-old tombs built for three Egyptian pharaohs. Though all have been looted over the years, they still hold many surprises and curiosities. And they reflect much about Egyptian culture at that time. This comprehensive volume covers the structures' histories, including still-controversial theories about how they were built, and the latest excavations and discoveries. Modern photographs will give readers an idea of the pyramids' magnitude, while a timeline will make them realize how truly enduring these extraordinary monuments are.

The subterranean tombs known as the Roman Catacombs are truly time capsules. Some tunnels date to the first century. Both Jewish and Christian graves are found there, including cremated and skeletal remains, and some have only been discovered recently. It's challenging to receive permission to explore these tunnels. Luckily, young historians can find all they need to know in the well-researched pages of this intriguing book, full of extraordinary images and facts. They'll learn much about the history of Rome and the different cultures that sought to bury their dead beneath the living in this ancient city.

Westminster Abbey is a breathtakingly beautiful church in London, England-that happens to hold more than a thousand tombs! Many of the most famous British personalities were laid to rest in Westminster, including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and Charles Dickens. Readers will learn about both British history and architecture as they investigate the church through the appealing pages of this well-designed volume, complete with interesting sidebars, vivid photographs, and a summarizing timeline.