Unearthing Ancient Civilizations

China is considered by many historians to be the oldest continuous civilization in the world. Its culture has changed relatively little since ancient times. In this book, readers learn about the rich history of China and how its ancient roots have influenced its modern-day society. Full-color photographs augment the engaging text, and a detailed timeline gives a clear overview of the time period. The "History Happened Here" section brings this ancient civilization to life, showing readers the places and artifacts that remain today, a visual reminder that the past has very real effects on the present.

Greece has been called the birthplace of Western civilization. However, its plunge into illiteracy during a dark age that lasted centuries has made much of its early history an intriguing mystery. This volume examines what historians know and what they can only surmise based on the archaeological record. In-depth sidebars highlight interesting facts, and full-color photographs allow readers to imagine ancient Greece at the height of its glory. Additionally, a thorough timeline gives readers a clear idea of the sequence of events in ancient Greece, and a glossary of new terms gives readers a better understanding of this amazing civilization.

The Roman Republic was a major world power for years. However, it eventually fell and was replaced by the Roman Empire, which then endured for another few centuries. In this volume, readers learn about the history of ancient Rome, with a focus on the main factors that contributed to the Roman Republic's collapse: income inequality, civil wars, and corrupt politicians. The engaging main text is augmented by an in-depth timeline, and full-color photographs bring this unique civilization to life. Informative sidebars highlight interesting facts, and a glossary of new terms gives readers a better understanding of ancient Rome.

The oldest civilizations on Earth started in ancient Mesopotamia. There, small settlements grew into large, complex cities. Some were completely forgotten until archaeologists began to dig up their foundations, but the contributions they made to the world live on today. Informative main text is supplemented with full-color photographs and engaging sidebars. A thorough timeline gives readers a clear idea of the sequence of events in ancient Mesopotamia, and a glossary of new terms gives readers a better understanding of these amazing civilizations.

Ancient Egypt has long fascinated citizens of the modern world. Mummies, pyramids, pharaohs, and other elements have inspired a romantic and sometimes mystical view of this ancient society. However, viewed through this lens, the facts are sometimes overlooked, and the lasting contributions may be obscured. This book takes a down-to-earth, factual look at ancient Egypt. The engaging main text describes its history and culture, while engaging sidebars highlight common misconceptions. The "History Happened Here" section brings this ancient civilization to life, showing readers the places and artifacts that remain today, a visual reminder that the past has very real effects on the present.

Although ancient India was unearthed by archaeologists long after Egypt and Mesopotamia, experts now believe it was one of the first civilizations in history. Ancient India has given the world Hinduism, Buddhism, advanced mathematics and astronomy, games such as chess and Chutes and Ladders, and much more. Through engaging sidebars and an in-depth timeline, augmented by full-color photographs, readers learn about the history and achievements of this remarkable civilization. Furthermore, the "History Happened Here" section brings this ancient civilization to life by showing readers the places and artifacts that remain today.