Books in Lucent Library of Black History series

The many arts and crafts at which the Egyptians excelled and the numerous leisure pastimes they pursued are examined in detail in this enlightening book. Among the crafts covered are pottery- and glass-making, spinning and weaving, painting, sculpture and jewelry-making. Other chapters are devoted to Egyptian writing systems and literature, as well as activities such as music, dancing, wrestling, archery and hunting.

This fascinating study by a widely published scholar chronicles Rome's long series of conquests -- from the subjugation of its Italian neighbors, to the Punic Wars against Carthage, to the absorption of the Greek city-states and kingdoms, to Caesar's conquest of Gaul, to the acquisition of Britain. The story of these conquests is richly augmented by detailed descriptions and analyses of changing and evolving military weapons, armor, formations, tactics, and strategies.

A noted historian summarizes Rome's long history, from the legendary founding of the city by Romulus in 753 B.C., through the establishment of the Republic, conquest of the Mediterranean world, the Republic's fall and creation of the Empire by Augustus, the Pax Romana, the Anarchy, the Later Empire and rise of Christianity, and the barbarian invasions and fall of the western Roman realm.

Next to the famous pyramids, Egypt is perhaps most famous for its rich and complex body of religious beliefs, customs and practices. In this volume an expert on the ancient world examines Egypt's gods, creation myths, beliefs about the afterlife, tombs (and efforts to thwart tomb robbers), embalming techniques, magic spells, amulets, hymns and prayers and much more.