Whatever Happened?

Ancient Egypt is known for powerful pharaohs, hieroglyphics, and a complex mythology. However, their contributions to modern civilization happened centuries ago. So, why didn't the ancient Egyptians thrive longer than they did? From a lack of needed resources and famine to civil war and invasions, the reasons the empire of ancient Egypt fell are varied. With this compelling volume, readers investigate why this impressive empire isn't around anymore, and why it was such an important part of the ancient world. Accessible text, full-color images, and a timeline complement classroom learning activities and social studies curricula.

At its height, ancient Rome stretched from modern-day Great Britain in the west to modern-day parts of Asia to the east. Many social studies students know that ancient Rome was powerful and contributed much to future world civilizations, but what's often less clear is why and how this huge empire fell so spectacularly. Your readers will investigate this exact idea, including the invasions the Roman Empire faced, the overextension of the Roman military, and the political trouble that caused the empire to split in two. Maps and historical images aid readers' understanding the compelling narrative.

From early democracy to the Olympics, the contributions of ancient Greece are still very much a part of today's world. However, this ancient civilization dissolved thousands of years ago. How and why did this impressive civilization fall? The answer to that question is found within the pages of this book, written especially for elementary readers. Historical images and important dates support social studies content, including the rise in the power of the Roman Empire, which eventually conquered the Greeks. With this knowledge, readers will better understand the influence and importance of this civilization hundreds of years after its decline.

The Shang Dynasty was the earliest recorded dynasty in China. It was in power for less than 600 years, but they ruled during great advances in math, art, astronomy, and military technology. If life was so great during this time, why did the Shang Dynasty end? Invasion is one main reason that readers learn about in this compelling volume, full of information about the civilization the Shang Dynasty created and about ancient China. Historical images and a timeline aid in comprehension of the social studies content included throughout.