Encyclopedia Of The Ancient World

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

Encyclopedia of the Ancient World is a colorful and lively examination of some of the most important civilizations that have shaped our world. Each entry concentrates on a particular civilization, or series of civilizations, and combines its history with an explanation of who the people were and how they lived. An examination of respective belief systems and myths is also included. Reflecting the latest developments in archaeology and bio-geography, LEncyclopedia of the Ancient World explains how the ancient civilizations developed, and how they came to dominate their neighbors, how they evolved, and why they eventually declined or died out. Encyclopedia of the Ancient World also features 400 full-color and black-and-white photographs, as well as specially commissioned diagrams and reconstructions, that help to illuminate life as it was lived many centuries ago. The book concludes with an extensive time-line that places the civilizations in an historic context; a bibliography of suggested further reading; a glossary of useful terms; and a comprehensive index.

Chronologically arranged entries describe what life was like in the Stone Age, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire.

Explores the history of the early civilizations of Greece, as well as their architecture, art, poetry, drama, and music.

Written by specialists in the field of Egyptology, this book is a readable introduction to ancient Egypt, covering all anticipated subjects and stressing the monuments and material culture of this remarkable ancient civilization. The rich natural resources of ancient Egypt provided a wealth of raw material for its structures, sculptures, and art, while its geographic isolation helped to ensure the survival of its rich culture for centuries. While other references focus on the people and battles central to Egyptian history, this reference explores the material culture and social institutions of ancient Egypt. The book focuses on pharaonic Egypt, covering the period from roughly 5000 BCE to the beginning of the Greco-Roman Period in 320 BCE. At the front of the work, a timeline provides a quick look at the major events in Egyptian history, and an introduction surveys ancient Egypt's physical geography and history. Alphabetically arranged reference entries written by expert contributors then provide fundamental information about the buildings, jewelry, social practices, and other topics related to the material culture and institutions that made up the Egyptian world. Excerpts from primary source historical documents provide evidence for what we know about ancient Egyptian culture, and suggestions for further reading direct users to additional sources of information.

An extensive and fascinating collection of stories featuring both famous and everyday women, giving a well-rounded view of the lives of women in the ancient world. When did women first become rulers, athletes, soldiers, heroines, and villains? They always were, observes historian Judith Salisbury. From Mesopotamian priestesses and poets to Egyptian queens and consorts, "there was never a time when women did not participate in all aspects of society." Salisbury tells the stories of 150 women from the ancient world, ranging from the very famous, such as Cleopatra VII, immortalized by Hollywood, to the barely remembered, such as the Roman poet Nossis. Writing for a general audience, Salisbury begins by painting each woman into her historical context, then recounts each woman's story, describing the choices she made as she looked for happiness, wealth, power, or well-being for herself and her family—stories much like our own. In entries on general themes—clothing, cosmetics, work, sexuality, prostitution, gynecology—Salisbury analyzes the commonalties in the lives of these women of antiquity from a cross-cultural perspective.

In this complex and dynamic history, Russell M. Lawson navigates the story of the Piscataqua Valley from Martin Pring in 1603, through the turbulent Indian wars of colonial days, around the volatile American Revolution and into the smooth sailing of the nineteenth-century shipbuilding industry. In Dover, Durham, Exeter and the entire valley, Piscataqua played a major role in the foundation of the United States, all the while surrounded by the river's natural splendor.

You will find the history of the world covering the major civilizations, rulers and events. The book paints a vivid picture of everyday life over thousands of years.