This series delves into the rise and fall of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. Each volume examines not only the history but also the art, culture, and enduring legacy of these societies. It probes why these ancient peoples remain important and relevant in our contemporary world. Prepare for a captivating journey through time, uncovering the wisdom and lessons of the past.
Beginning in the Stone Age and continuing through the collapse of the Roman empire, Peter Bogucki describes the increasing complexity, technological accomplishments, and distinctive practices of the non-literate peoples known as Barbarians.
This engaging history brings together the interwoven stories of the original Goths, who sacked the imperial city of Rome and set in motion the decline and fall of the western Roman empire, and the diverse Gothic legacy, a legacy that continues to shape our modern world.
This is a new history of the Etruscans, a powerful and influential civilization in ancient Italy who are often thought of as mysterious and unknowable. Covering colonialism and conquest, misogyny and mystique, Etruscan history is woven with the very latest archaeological evidence to provide a unique perspective on this enigmatic people.
During the first and second millennia BCE, nomadic peoples migrated from Central Asia into the Eurasian periphery, with one group settling in an arid region south of the Caspian Sea. From these humble beginnings, they established one of history's most powerful empires: the Persian Empire. The authors, Geoffrey and Brenda Parker, narrate the fascinating story of this ancient civilization and its lasting legacy. They explore the unique aspects of Persian life and its influence over the centuries, detailing the environmental challenges faced by early Persians and how they cultivated a distinctive culture that led to the formation of the Achaemenid Empire. This empire extended its reach into the maritime west, engaging in significant geopolitical conflicts with the Greeks for control of the eastern Mediterranean. The authors vividly depict Persian cities and their remarkable achievements, such as extensive road networks, an impressive irrigation system that transformed arid landscapes into fertile paradises, and a rich tapestry of diverse peoples. This insightful history showcases an incomparable culture whose impact is still evident today in modern Iran and the broader Middle East.
An introduction to the history, art and religion of ancient Egypt.
This book is an introduction to every aspect of a civilization, which combined artistic excellence, technological sophistication and economic vigour with social egalitarianism, political freedom and religious moderation