Books in Junior Biographies from Ancient Civilizations series

In the United States laws apply to everyone, they are written down, and they are not easily changed. It was not always like this. Over 3,000 years ago, a Middle Eastern king wanted to rule fairly. He had the laws of his kingdom written in stone, and then he shared the laws with his people. His name was Hammurabi and he ruled Babylon- where the country of Iraq is today- for over forty years. Although he expanded his country and won many wars, today he is best remembered for his code of laws. The way laws are written in the United States owes so much to Hammurabi that pictures of him can be seen in the House of Representatives.

Acclaimed as the most beautiful woman of her time, Eleanor of Aquitaine (c.1122 1204) uniquely shaped 12th-century Europe. As the wife of two kings and the mother of three others, her beauty, grace, style, and intellect captivated a continent. At a time when men regarded women as little more than personal property to be owned and exploited, Eleanor threw off the shackles of male dominance and scribed an indelible mark on the history of France and England. As France s queen, Eleanor accompanied Louis VII on the Second Crusade to the Holy Land and championed a burgeoning feminist movement. After divorcing Louis, she married Henry II of England. Her marriage to Henry upset the balance of power in Europe and led to 300 years of warfare before its restoration. Perhaps best remembered as a symbol of courtly love, Eleanor of Aquitaine also continues to personify the proud image of emancipated womanhood.

The English called him Charles I. The Germans referred to him as Karl der Grosse. In Latin he was known as Carolus Magnus. Today he is best known by his French nameCharlemagne. It means Charles the Great, which is no surprise, for this Frankish king went down in history as the ruler who united the European continent. Charlemagnes passion for Christianity along with his skill as a military leader set him apart from the other leaders of his era. By drawing on these qualities, he converted the masses to Christianity as quickly as he brought them under his rule. As time went on, Charlemagnes massive kingdom just kept expanding further and further.

"Buddha is known throughout the world today as one of the greatest spiritual leaders in history. But, at one time he was the prince of a small kingdom in India. However, Siddhartha, as he was once known, didn't fit into his royal world very well. Although he tried in many ways, Siddhartha just didn't care about wealth and power the way other young men his age would have. Instead, he dreamed of achieving enlightenment--and helping others to discover this highest state of human existence. At the age of 29, Siddhartha walked away from his life in the palace. What he did after that departure would change the lives of countless others up to the present day"--Provided by publisher.