Rise and Fall of Empires

The Islamic empire arose spectacularly in the 7th century and exercised influence over a large geographic area until its fall to Mongol invaders in the 13th century. The rulers, called caliphs, ushered in a new Islamic civilization with customs and practices both distinct from and partially influenced by those of the areas it conquered. The reigns of these caliphates, including the Abbasid caliphate, which presided at the time of the Islamic Golden Age, are surveyed in this captivating volume. Readers will learn about the expansion of Islamic influence and the flourishing of scholarship in science, math, and more during this time.

Growing on the heels of the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire was in some ways a continuation of its predecessor, extending its history for another 1,000 years. With a new capital at Constantinople, however, it also had a distinctly Eastern character of its own. Readers are transported to Byzantium in this absorbing volume, which recounts the history of this brilliant and articulate civilization as well as the many cultural and architectural achievements it spawned before falling to the Ottomans in 1453. Seminal events are covered in depth in the text and also highlighted in a timeline.

Coming to power between Mongol and Manchu rule, the Ming Dynasty represented the last ethnic Han dynasty to rule China. Following the Mandate of Heaven, the first Ming emperor launched nearly 300 years of cultural and political transformation. This compelling volume traces the ascendancy, demise, and legacy of the Ming Dynasty, chronicling the development of its governmental structure, its expansion of trade and its economy, its extension and enhancement of the Great Wall of China, and many other achievements. Readers will also learn about the effect of the Little Ice Age and its role in the Ming's demise.

Ruling from 1299 until 1922, the Ottoman Empire was one of the biggest and longest-lasting empires in history. Although weak leadership, a failing economy, and wars with neighboring Russia and other countries led to its decline, the empire left a lasting legacy for its arts, trade, government, and multiculturalism. This appealing volume chronicles the rise and decline of the Ottoman Empire, including its beginnings in nomadic cultures, its toppling of the Byzantine Empire, and its peak under Süleyman the Magnificent, as well as the various conflicts in which it was often embroiled.

In the history of empires, few compare in influence to the Roman Empire. In the course of its 500-year history, the empire yielded advances in philosophy, governance, science, and the arts that are still relied upon today. Despite its long span and enduring legacy, however, the empire eventually succumbed to its Visigoth invaders. This enchanting narrative traces the history of ancient Rome, from its beginnings through its days as a republic and into the evolution and dissolution of its empire. Cultural achievements of the empire are placed in historical context, and a timeline conveniently summarizes key events for quick reference.