Lost Empires

"Lost Empires" is a captivating journey through time, exploring the rise and fall of some of the most magnificent empires that have shaped human history. This book delves into the heart of civilizations that once ruled vast stretches of our planet yet now lie buried beneath layers of time and earth. The first chapter whisks the reader to the enigmatic ruins of the Inca Empire in South America, where architectural marvels like Machu Picchu reveal the complexity and sophistication of a culture that thrived in the harsh Andean mountains. The narrative then shifts to the sun-scorched sands of the Middle East, exploring the once-mighty Persian Empire, famed for its opulent palaces and the enduring legacy of its administrative innovations. The book also takes an in-depth look at the Byzantine Empire, the Eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, which preserved and passed on the artistic and intellectual heritage of the ancient world amidst political turmoil and religious upheavals. The fall of Constantinople, marking the end of this empire, is depicted with vivid details, bringing to life the twilight of a civilization that influenced much of European and Middle Eastern history. "Lost Empires" concludes with an introspective reflection on the transient nature of power and the lessons modern society can draw from these ancient stories of glory and decline. This thought-provoking work sheds light on forgotten chapters of history and offers a poignant reminder of the legacy left behind by these once-great empires. As a journey through lost ages, it is a treasure trove of historical insight and a moving contemplation on the cyclical nature of human civilization.

This collection of essays investigates the fundamental role that the loss of colonial territories at the end of the Ancient Regime and post-World War II has played in shaping French memories and colonial discourses. In identifying loss and nostalgia as key tropes in cultural representations, these essays call for a re-evaluation of French colonialism as a discourse informed not just by narratives of conquest, but equally by its histories of defeat.

Rywkin, author of Soviet Society Today (1989) and Moscow's Muslim Challenge (rev. ed., 1990), covers the background and current fate of the principal nationalities circumscribed by the Soviet Union in order to present a picture of national and ethnic issues affecting the post-Soviet states at the outset of their independent existence. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

In the Forgotten Empires magic is forbidden, dreams are destiny, and love is the greatest power of all...Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, the lush romantic fantasy world of the Forgotten Empires series will sweep you away. A PRISONER OF FATE As Queen of the island kingdom of Calanthe, Lia will do anything to keep her people free—and her secrets safe—from the mad tyrant who rules the mainland. Guided by a magic ring of her father’s, Lia plays the political game with the cronies the emperor sends to her island. In her heart, she knows that it’s up to her to save herself from her fate as the emperor’s bride. But in her dreams, she sees a man, one with the power to build a better world—a man whose spirit is as strong, and whose passion is as fierce as her own... A PRINCE AMONG MEN Conrí, former Crown Prince of Oriel, has built an army to overthrow the emperor. But he needs the fabled Abiding Ring to succeed. The ring that Lia holds so dear to her heart. When the two banished rulers meet face to face, neither can deny the flames of rebellion that flicker in their eyes—nor the fires of desire that draw them together. But in this broken world of shattered kingdoms, can they ever really trust each other? Can their fiery alliance defeat the shadows of evil that threaten to engulf their hearts and souls? “A lush... perilous and passionate world.”—New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep