Books in Blasttoff! Discovery: Ancient Civilizations series

Fascination with ancient Egypt hasnt diminished even though 2,000 years have passed since Cleopatras tragic concluding reign. The amazing and vibrant Egyptians were intelligent enough to build the pyramids, dedicated to their gods enough to mummify bodies, and skilled enough to leave behind the precious artifacts and artwork that tell us of their legacy. In this striking volume, readers are transported to ancient Egypt through accessible text and gorgeous artwork. Essential topics such as family life, religion, political structure, and economy, in combination with photographs of actual Egyptian artifacts, make this book a must-read for any young historian.

A history of ancient Persia discussing the contributions of rulers from Cyrus to Darius as they expanded the boundaries of the empire. Over a period of almost 1,200 years, the ancient Persians learned to cultivate crops such as wheat and barley and to domesticate animals. They also demonstrated their talents for architecture and art by building enormous palaces, such as at the site of Persepolis, and introduced the idea of worshipping a single god.

The Mayans are remembered today for their beautiful pyramid temples. But this ancient civilization had many other innovations! This fact-filled title explores the underground reservoirs, rubber creations, and astronomy studies of ancient Maya. Engaging text and vivid images combine with special features such as profiles of gods and leaders, a cause and effect graphic, a time and place matrix, and a timeline to take readers on a journey to the past!

Confucius, the Great Wall, silk, oracle bones, writing, and paper are among the topics explored in DISCOVER ANCIENT CHINA. The book starts with Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s life size terracotta army of soldiers, chariots, and horses. The photographs show the army as it looks today and in the broken disarray of its discovery. The following chapters deal with early development, early dynasties, the unification of China, and the achievements, gifts, and inventions of the ancient Chinese.

Mesopotamia is often called the Cradle of Civilization and it is this region that is the focus of this book, DISCOVER ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA. Ancient Mesopotamia, centering on the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, features the rise of city-states and innovations in agriculture. The people of Mesopotamia also developed complex systems of writing, architectural wonders, advancements in military tactics and weaponry, and some of the first recorded legal codes.

A history of ancient Persia discussing the contributions of rulers from Cyrus to Darius as they expanded the boundaries of the empire. Over a period of almost 1,200 years, the ancient Persians learned to cultivate crops such as wheat and barley and to domesticate animals. They also demonstrated their talents for architecture and art by building enormous palaces, such as at the site of Persepolis, and introduced the idea of worshipping a single god.

DISCOVER ANCIENT ROME covers the highlights of ancient Rome, including the founding of Rome, mythology, Pompeii, and Roman law, among other topics. The book also focuses on Roman civilization, Roman religion, social life and customs. Everyday life is also featured in the book as well, including the bread and circuses, the trade guilds, the blood games, chariot races, the baths, theatre, poetry, and education.

Confucius, the Great Wall, silk, oracle bones, writing, and paper are among the topics explored in DISCOVER ANCIENT CHINA. The book starts with Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s life size terracotta army of soldiers, chariots, and horses. The photographs show the army as it looks today and in the broken disarray of its discovery. The following chapters deal with early development, early dynasties, the unification of China, and the achievements, gifts, and inventions of the ancient Chinese.