Ancient Chinese Culture
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
A culture that has been around for 4,000 years, as Chinese culture has, obviously has a rich history. Ancient Chinese culture planted the seeds for modern China. This thought-provoking resource offers readers a glimpse into the major ages of China and their prominent contributions to history. Illuminating text details the influence of the Yellow River, the Shang (Bronze Age) ornamentation, the Great Wall from the Qin (Imperial Age), and silk use and the Silk Road of the Han. This insightful volume goes on to elucidate other cultural contributions, such as art, dance, drama, literature, and pottery.
Ancient Mesopotamian Government and Geography
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
We often think of ancient times as simpler and more basic, but the ancient Mesopotamians were a complex society, in which people used their geography to their advantage. This informative resource explores the rise of the city-state as well as what led to their development, including the heights and densities of the buildings and levels of government. Readers will also learn how city-states differ from simple settlements. This thoroughly researched volume also delves into Mesopotamian empires and how the ancient Mesopotamians governed, such as by using a set of laws called the Code of Hammurabi.
Ancient Chinese Technology
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
The ancient Chinese were an innovative and creative people who developed some of the inventions we still use today. From fireworks to folding umbrellas, this thought-provoking volume highlights some of the most fascinating technological developments of the time. Readers will be riveted by the engaging text, vivid photographs, and detailed explanations of the progression of technology throughout this pioneering age. The text covers ancient Chinese advances in warfare, metallurgy, porcelain, silk, paper, tea, and more. Lively text will keep readers interested and leave them eager to learn more.
Ancient Mesopotamian Technology
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
When we think of technology, we might think only of our modern tools, such as electronics, computers, and cutting-edge gadgets, but civilizations throughout the ages have used technology to improve their lives. This informative resource will reveal that the ancient Mesopotamians were an innovative and forward-thinking people. They solved societal problems, such as regulating water to make sure they had a ready supply when they needed it. Readers will also be engaged throughout the volume with descriptions of their technological achievements, such as the construction of their cities, ziggurats, transportation, and weapons, just to name a few.
Ancient Chinese Daily Life
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
This informative volume illuminates for readers the basics of the lives of the ancient Chinese, from the clothes they wore, their hairstyles, and the food they farmed, hunted, and made throughout the various dynasties. From the larger societal social structure to the more simplified family structure within the home, readers will gain an understanding of how the culture's rituals, such as those around tea, rice, religion, and clothing, set the tone for the people's everyday lives.
Ancient Chinese Government and Geography
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
China is a massive country, but its surrounding mountains, two seas, and hazardous deserts kept it fairly secluded. In fact, early Chinese referred to it the Middle Kingdom, or the center of the world. China's major geographical features shaped so many aspects of life in ancient China, including how the various civilizations developed, their social organization, and the food they grew and raised. This illuminating resource reveals how the different ancient Chinese dynasties worked with and made the most of their harsh conditions.
Ancient Mesopotamian Culture
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
The ancient Mesopotamians have been a subject of fascination through the ages. This title will guide the eager reader through the cultural lives of the Mesopotamians. Readers will also get an overview of what their own education would have been like in Mesopotamian times. Ample color photographs provide context for the lives of these ancient peoples. Lively text teaches readers about the innovations in astronomy, mathematics, and literature, as well as music, dance, and more. This book will show readers how in some ways their own modern society might not be all that far removed from one so many centuries ago.
Ancient Mesopotamian Daily Life
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
A day in the life of the average Mesopotamian was quite a bit different from the daily lives of most of us today. Readers will enjoy this engrossing volume as it guides them through the everyday lives of ancient Mesopotamians. They will learn about the overreaching class structure as well as the organization of the homes. The informative text informs readers about everything from the clothes they wore, to the jewelry they adorned themselves with, and to the ways they wore their hair. Readers can expect an enjoyable read that provides them with much insight into these ancient lives.
Daily Life in Ancient India
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
It's difficult to understand ancient civilizations when they lived so differently than we do today. This volume makes ancient India relevant by describing the day-to-day lifestyles of people of the Indus Valley Civilization, the Maurya Empire, and the Gupta Empire. Readers will learn about the roles of women, men, and children; what their homes looked like; the clothes they wore; their grooming habits; and what they liked to eat. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable research resource for reports.
Ancient Mesopotamian Religion and Beliefs
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
The religion of ancient Mesopotamia was rich and varied. Readers will learn about the colorful major gods, as well as several lesser gods. They will also get insight into the structure and rituals of the religion, such as the roles of the priests and kings and their relationships to the gods. This instructive book also explains how astronomy and the constellations figured into their worship. Readers will be captivated by explanations about the healing aspect of ancient Mesopotamian religion and gain a deeper understanding of how these fascinating people viewed the afterlife.
The Culture of Ancient India
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
India has a long history rich in culture. The ancient civilizations of India-the Indus Valley Civilization, the Maurya Empire, and the Gupta Empire-were made up of sophisticated people whose art and lives contributed greatly to future generations. In addition to learning about the culture of ancient India, readers will learn how political and social changes of any region affect its art and culture. Boasting engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for report research.
The Decline of Ancient Chinese Civilization
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
This enlightening book leads readers though the history of ancient China, up to and through its decline, including how power was centralized within the Zhou royal house and aristocratic families that ruled their individual territories. This resource explains the Spring and Autumn periods, as well as Confucius's influence, and the positive and negative aspects of the Qin Dynasty. Readers will be captivated by the ebb and flow of rulers, the excitement of peasant revolts, and rebellions that ultimately resulted in the fall of ancient China.
The Government and Geography of Ancient India
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
The civilizations of ancient India had their own different governments. In the Indus Valley Civilization, priest kings were at the head of government. The Maurya Empire boasted a stable, centralized government that allowed the flourishing of trade and culture. That government had weakened by the time of the Gupta Empire, opening the gates to foreign invaders and civil wars. This informative volume charts the changes in leadership in ancient India and ends with a comparison to India's government today. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for student reports.
The Technology of Ancient India
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
Were smartphones and video games used in the Indus Valley Civilization, the Maurya Empire, and the Gupta Empire? Maybe not, but just because they were ancient peoples does not mean they didn't have sophisticated technology for the time. This volume examines the developments that allowed the progression and improvement of ancient India and connects them to technological innovations throughout the ages and today. Featuring engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for researching school reports.
The Decline of Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
It may be hard to wrap one's head around how such a thriving people as the ancient Mesopotamians could fall. This volume offers readers a detailed overview of how this complex and intriguing people declined from their previous prosperity. Readers will journey through the ebb and flow of the civilization, taking in information about the various factors that ultimately worked against them. The text explains the natural causes, such as drought, the structural issues, and invasions that led to the downfall of a civilization that nevertheless offers a lasting legacy.
The Religion and Beliefs of Ancient India
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
India is home to the world's oldest religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as Jainism. All three evolved from shared beliefs and traditions, such as reincarnation, karma, and liberation and achieving nirvana. These beliefs and traditions evolved in the Indus River Valley around 3500 BCE. This volume explores the religions of ancient India, including rituals practiced and deities worshipped, to provide students with an understanding of the beliefs of the peoples of ancient India. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for reports.
The Decline of Ancient Indian Civilization
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
How do civilizations rise and, ultimately, fall? U.S. students can have a difficult time understanding that empires come and go throughout the course of history. This volume explains how a once-flourishing civilization ran into decline, once foreign invaders took over the weakened government and spread their influence. Students will learn how India evolved into the country it is today. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for students researching reports.
Ancient Chinese Religion and Beliefs
Part of the Spotlight On the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series
From ancient Chinese concepts of the cosmos to their perceptions of the afterlife, the ancient Chinese had a rich and varied system of religion and beliefs. With this useful resource, readers will get an overview of the progression and development of ancient Chinese religions. The narrative illuminates the relationships between their gods and their priests and shamans. Among many other details, readers will learn about the relationships and rituals of Confucianism, the values of Daoism, and Buddhism's cycle of existence.