Early Civilizations Of The Old World

In this new paperback edition of Early Civilizations of the Old World, Charles Keith Maisels traces the development of some of the earliest and key civilizations in history. In each case the ecological and economic background to growth, geographical factors, cross-cultural intersection and the rise of urbanism are examined, explaining how particular forms of social structure and cultural interaction developed from before the Neolithic period to the time of the first civilizations in each area. This volume challenges the traditional assumption of a band-tribe-chiefdom-state sequence and instead demonstrates that large complex societies can flourish without social classes and the state, as dramatically shown by the Indus civilization. Such features as the use of Childe's urban revolution theory as a means of comparison for each emerging civilization and the discussion of the emergence of archaeology as a scientific discipline, make Early Civilizations of the Old World a valuable, innovative and stimulating work.

In this concise, yet sweeping look at the origins and development of ancient new world civiliozations, Richard adams provides a superb introductory overview of these unique and fascinating cultures. Incorporating the latest breakthroughs in the study of the cultures of Mesoamerica and the Andes, Adams examines the development of the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Inca peoples, among others, from simple agricultural societies to urban civilizations with complex transportation networks, distinct social hierarchies, rich artistic and religious traditions, and writing systems that have defied anthropological investigation until recently.

In this concise, yet sweeping look at the origins and development of ancient new world civiliozations, Richard adams provides a superb introductory overview of these unique and fascinating cultures. Incorporating the latest breakthroughs in the study of the cultures of Mesoamerica and the Andes, Adams examines the development of the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Inca peoples, among others, from simple agricultural societies to urban civilizations with complex transportation networks, distinct social hierarchies, rich artistic and religious traditions, and writing systems that have defied anthropological investigation until recently.

A comprehensive survey of the development of civilizations. Its vision is global - in scope, it ranges from the classical societies of Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the cultures of Asia and Africa, from the civilizations of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, to Native North Americans and the unique societies of Australia and the Pacific. Together, these diverse civilizations shaped the modern world. They were the birthplace of writing and architecture, legal codes, mathematics, metallurgy and engineering, and complex political social, and cultural traditions.

This reference tells the stories of the peoples of the ancient past and shows how they laid the foundations of the modern world. Each of the first five chapters looks at the cultures and civilizations that developed in one particular region. The last chapter looks at some general aspects of life in the ancient world, such as agriculture or legal codes, and examines them in different cultures. A time line shows how civilizations in different parts of the world relate to each other in time. Nicely illustrated with many color images. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR

What do the ancient Aztec, Celtic, Roman, Egyptian, and lost civilizations have in common? They all helped make humankind the versatile and complicated species that we are today. Discover how ancient civilizations molded us into who we are today Explore the highly developed Aztec Empire, their language, agriculture, military tradition, astronomy, rituals, and art. Visit the eight Celtic regions and learn how a strong and determined people made its way through Europe into Britain, France, and Spain with sheer force. Get a glimpse of Rome, the eternal city. Watch her borders expand and contract through conquest and defeat. See her innovative engineers create magnificent architecture, art, and infrastructure. Tour the fertile banks of the River Nile where Ancient Egyptians endured for over three thousand years, worshiped Gods and Goddesses, maintained peace, and built enduring temples and tombs. Peek at the five greatest ancient empires in history and learn how they created advanced, long-lasting civilizations that persisted for thousands of years. Glance at lost civilizations that have been long forgotten but contributed to the development of language, religion, architecture, technology, astronomy, and engineering. History of the Ancient World: Ancient Civilizations, and Ancient Empires. History that Defined our World offers a tantalizing glimpse into our vast and complex ancient history that is sure to inspire further study. There is a lot to be learned from ancient history. Start your study of the beginnings of art, engineering, architecture and more today.

History of Ancient Civilization is a book by Charles Seignobos. It covers a widespread of civilizations, from pre-historic times all the way up to the birth of Christianity.

A lively and engaging narrative history showing the common threads in the cultures that gave birth to our own. This is the first volume in a bold new series that tells the stories of all peoples, connecting historical events from Europe to the Middle East to the far coast of China, while still giving weight to the characteristics of each country. Susan Wise Bauer provides both sweeping scope and vivid attention to the individual lives that give flesh to abstract assertions about human history. Dozens of maps provide a clear geography of great events, while timelines give the reader an ongoing sense of the passage of years and cultural interconnection. This old-fashioned narrative history employs the methods of “history from beneath”—literature, epic traditions, private letters and accounts—to connect kings and leaders with the lives of those they ruled. The result is an engrossing tapestry of human behavior from which we may draw conclusions about the direction of world events and the causes behind them.