Discovering Native North American Cultures
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
This insightful guide explores the pre-Columbian native civilizations that thrived in North America, revealing a diverse range of cultures, languages, and customs. Particularly interesting is the examination of the various adaptations necessary for life in a continent that ranges from the arctic to the sub-tropic, including effective techniques for farming, fishing, and hunting. The devastating impact of European contact and conquest is described, as is the inspiring story of cultural survival in the face of near extinction. The modern life of native North American peoples and the ways in which they are keeping their heritage alive are also celebrated.
Discovering Ancient China
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
In this comprehensive volume dedicated to ancient Chinese civilization, upper elementary–level readers will learn the different dynasties of ancient China, the memorable leaders that spearheaded them, and the lasting influences each period had on civilizations to follow. Readers will learn about the oldest examples of Chinese writing, which ruler was responsible for completing the Great Wall, and the cultural context in which Confucius became a prominent philosopher, among other fascinating details. These ancient Chinese contributions-all still well known today-constitute only a few of the aspects of ancient China waiting to be discovered.
Exploring The Aztec Empire
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Examines the rise and fall of the Aztecs in Mesoamerica. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of who the Aztecs were, how they built their empire, and what happened to their civilization.
Exploring The Persian Empire
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Examines the rise and fall of the Persians in the Middle East. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of who the Persians were, how they built their empire, and what happened to their civilization.
Discovering Ancient Mesoamerican Civilizations
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
This fascinating narrative introduces young readers to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. Evolving from their primitive ways to complex societies, these ancient peoples left records for archaeologists to piece together to glean what these peoples were really like more than 3,000 years ago. Among the civilizations examined are the Olmec, Zapotec, Aztec, and Maya. Lands, cultures, religions, and daily life activities are considered, as well as the colossal rock heads of the Olmec that still exist, the maguey plant that the Zapotec grew and used for making houses, and the temple at Chichén Itzá, among other remarkable facts and achievements.
Discovering Ancient Egypt
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
The world of mummies, pharaohs, and pyramids leaps off the pages of this upper elementary guide to ancient Egyptian civilization. Readers will discover the history and culture of ancient Egypt, from the earliest settlers of the Nile to the final dynasty of Antony and Cleopatra. Egypt's most famous inventions-including papyrus, hieroglyphs, and the 365-day calendar-are presented along with facts about its pantheon of deities and highly organized class system. A final discussion of how modern culture continues to benefit from its techniques and styles is sure to make readers want to delve deeper into the world of ancient Egypt.
Discovering Ancient Rome
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Rome was the city that conquered the entire Mediterranean world. For almost 500 years, it presided over that world, shaping it, and providing instruction for all those who came later. The city fell to the barbarians, and the empire ceased to exist, but the ideas and ideals that built both the city and the empire can still be felt today. This book presents the fascinating empire of Ancient Rome, from its rise to its fall. Readers will learn how Romans lived their daily lives, as well as the accomplishments they contributed that continue to influence the world today.
Exploring The Ancient Maya
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Examines the rise and fall of the Mayans in Mesoamerica. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of who the Mayans were, how they built their empire, and what happened to their civilization.
Exploring Ancient Greece
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Examines the rise and fall of the ancient Greeks. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of who the ancient Greeks were, how they built their empire, and what happened to their civilization.
Exploring Ancient Egypt
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Examines the rise and fall of the ancient Egyptians. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of who the ancient Egyptians were, how they built their empire, and what happened to their civilization.
Exploring Ancient India
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Examines the rise and fall of the ancient Indians. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of who the ancient Indians were, how they built their empire, and what happened to their civilization.
Discovering Ancient Greece
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
It would be difficult to decide if the ancient Greeks are best known for their literature or mythology, for their philosophy or their government. On all fronts, ancient Greece paved the way for civilizations to come, making momentous contributions to humanity unmatched by other societies. This authoritative, upper elementary volume covers all aspects of Greek society, including daily life, deities and legends, and the political systems of Greek city-states. Important writers and thinkers receive equal treatment, with profiles of Sophocles, Plato, and Homer presented, among others-all amounting to an exploration sure to inspire awe of the might of ancient Greece.
Exploring Ancient Rome
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Examines the rise and fall of the Romans. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of who the Romans were, how they built their empire, and what happened to their civilization.
Exploring Ancient China
Part of the Exploring Ancient Civilizations series
Examines the rise and fall of the ancient Chinese. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of who the ancient Chinese were, how they built their empire, and what happened to their civilization.