Books in World History by Era series

After a period of instability following the disappearance of earlier empires, the Middle Ages saw a great flowering of culture and civilization in regions as diverse as China, the Byzantine Middle East, and Mesoamerica. Moreover, the new religion of Islam emerged out of Arabia and quickly travelled across much of Asia and Africa, while European civilization recovered from its "dark ages." This text examines not only these civilizations but also the cultural and economic ties which increasingly connected them.

Religion has been at the heart of many wars and acts of violence throughout history. Why is this such a deep-rooted source of conflict around the world, and what can be done to foster peace between people of different religions instead? Readers are presented with these questions and more to challenge their critical-thinking skills as they learn about the relationship between religion and conflict, from ancient history to the Crusades to the rise of ISIS. Facts and opposing viewpoints are presented in the main text and sidebars, which are enhanced by the use of annotated quotations and primary sources.

The Scientific Revolution is known as the time period when modern science was born. Without the people who made discoveries, theories, and inventions during this time, the world as we know it today would not exist. Readers are introduced to the figures, discoveries, and events that defined the Scientific Revolution through annotated quotes from historians and historical documents, primary sources, fact-filled sidebars, and a detailed timeline. As readers explore this essential social studies topic, they also learn the important connections that can be made between history and STEM, broadening their view of each topic--

In The Islamic Empire, author Phyllis Corzine traces the development of the empire from its beginnings in the remote deserts of Arabia, to its lightning spread throughout the Middle East, to its expansion within a century to substantial parts of three continents, to the fall of its fabled capital city of Baghdad in 1258. The author uses numerous primary source quotations to recount the many artistic and scientific achievements of this brilliant empire and its lasting influence on Western Civilization.

The Bubonic Plague terrorized Europe and North Africa in the 14th century, killing millions of people. Readers learn many fascinating facts about what became known as the Black Death. They discover that the cause of the disease was unknown for most of the epidemic, and many unlikely things were blamed, including bad smells and occult rituals. Detailed sidebars and a comprehensive timeline augment the compelling text as it examines how the disastrous events of the plague were exacerbated by peoples ignorance of scientific facts.

The history and culture of ancient India is rich and complex. However, most history classes only touch on the most prominent aspects of ancient Indian culture, such as Hinduism. Readers experience the full breadth of this ancient society through detailed text, insightful quotes from historians, and fascinating sidebars. Vivid photographs and historical images are included to enhance the reading experience. From the lives of powerful historical figures to the stories of mythological heroes, ancient India comes to life in a way that strongly supplements standard social studies curricula.