Books in Spotlight on the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations series

When we think of technology, we might think only of our modern tools, such as electronics, computers, and cutting-edge gadgets, but civilizations throughout the ages have used technology to improve their lives. This informative resource will reveal that the ancient Mesopotamians were an innovative and forward-thinking people. They solved societal problems, such as regulating water to make sure they had a ready supply when they needed it. Readers will also be engaged throughout the volume with descriptions of their technological achievements, such as the construction of their cities, ziggurats, transportation, and weapons, just to name a few.

This enlightening book leads readers though the history of ancient China, up to and through its decline, including how power was centralized within the Zhou royal house and aristocratic families that ruled their individual territories. This resource explains the Spring and Autumn periods, as well as Confuciuss influence, and the positive and negative aspects of the Qin Dynasty. Readers will be captivated by the ebb and flow of rulers, the excitement of peasant revolts, and rebellions that ultimately resulted in the fall of ancient China.

The ancient Chinese were an innovative and creative people who developed some of the inventions we still use today. From fireworks to folding umbrellas, this thought-provoking volume highlights some of the most fascinating technological developments of the time. Readers will be riveted by the engaging text, vivid photographs, and detailed explanations of the progression of technology throughout this pioneering age. The text covers ancient Chinese advances in warfare, metallurgy, porcelain, silk, paper, tea, and more. Lively text will keep readers interested and leave them eager to learn more.

China is a massive country, but its surrounding mountains, two seas, and hazardous deserts kept it fairly secluded. In fact, early Chinese referred to it the Middle Kingdom, or the center of the world. China's major geographical features shaped so many aspects of life in ancient China, including how the various civilizations developed, their social organization, and the food they grew and raised. This illuminating resource reveals how the different ancient Chinese dynasties worked with and made the most of their harsh conditions.

The ancient Mesopotamians have been a subject of fascination through the ages. This title will guide the eager reader through the cultural lives of the Mesopotamians. Readers will also get an overview of what their own education would have been like in Mesopotamian times. Ample color photographs provide context for the lives of these ancient peoples. Lively text teaches readers about the innovations in astronomy, mathematics, and literature, as well as music, dance, and more. This book will show readers how in some ways their own modern society might not be all that far removed from one so many centuries ago.

We often think of ancient times as simpler and more basic, but the ancient Mesopotamians were a complex society, in which people used their geography to their advantage. This informative resource explores the rise of the city-state as well as what led to their development, including the heights and densities of the buildings and levels of government. Readers will also learn how city-states differ from simple settlements. This thoroughly researched volume also delves into Mesopotamian empires and how the ancient Mesopotamians governed, such as by using a set of laws called the Code of Hammurabi.

When we think of technology, we might think only of our modern tools, such as electronics, computers, and cutting-edge gadgets, but civilizations throughout the ages have used technology to improve their lives. This informative resource will reveal that the ancient Mesopotamians were an innovative and forward-thinking people. They solved societal problems, such as regulating water to make sure they had a ready supply when they needed it. Readers will also be engaged throughout the volume with descriptions of their technological achievements, such as the construction of their cities, ziggurats, transportation, and weapons, just to name a few.

We often think of ancient times as simpler and more basic, but the ancient Mesopotamians were a complex society, in which people used their geography to their advantage. This informative resource explores the rise of the city-state as well as what led to their development, including the heights and densities of the buildings and levels of government. Readers will also learn how city-states differ from simple settlements. This thoroughly researched volume also delves into Mesopotamian empires and how the ancient Mesopotamians governed, such as by using a set of laws called the Code of Hammurabi.

It's difficult to understand ancient civilizations when they lived so differently than we do today. This volume makes ancient India relevant by describing the day-to-day lifestyles of people of the Indus Valley Civilization, the Maurya Empire, and the Gupta Empire. Readers will learn about the roles of women, men, and children; what their homes looked like; the clothes they wore; their grooming habits; and what they liked to eat. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable research resource for reports.

A day in the life of the average Mesopotamian was quite a bit different from the daily lives of most of us today. Readers will enjoy this engrossing volume as it guides them through the everyday lives of ancient Mesopotamians. They will learn about the overreaching class structure as well as the organization of the homes. The informative text informs readers about everything from the clothes they wore, to the jewelry they adorned themselves with, and to the ways they wore their hair. Readers can expect an enjoyable read that provides them with much insight into these ancient lives.

It may be hard to wrap one’s head around how such a thriving people as the ancient Mesopotamians could fall. This volume offers readers a detailed overview of how this complex and intriguing people declined from their previous prosperity. Readers will journey through the ebb and flow of the civilization, taking in information about the various factors that ultimately worked against them. The text explains the natural causes, such as drought, the structural issues, and invasions that led to the downfall of a civilization that nevertheless offers a lasting legacy.

A day in the life of the average Mesopotamian was quite a bit different from the daily lives of most of us today. Readers will enjoy this engrossing volume as it guides them through the everyday lives of ancient Mesopotamians. They will learn about the overreaching class structure as well as the organization of the homes. The informative text informs readers about everything from the clothes they wore, to the jewelry they adorned themselves with, and to the ways they wore their hair. Readers can expect an enjoyable read that provides them with much insight into these ancient lives.