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

A culture that has been around for 4,000 years, as Chinese culture has, obviously has a rich history. Ancient Chinese culture planted the seeds for modern China. This thought-provoking resource offers readers a glimpse into the major ages of China and their prominent contributions to history. Illuminating text details the influence of the Yellow River, the Shang (Bronze Age) ornamentation, the Great Wall from the Qin (Imperial Age), and silk use and the Silk Road of the Han. This insightful volume goes on to elucidate other cultural contributions, such as art, dance, drama, literature, and pottery.

The religion of ancient Mesopotamia was rich and varied. Readers will learn about the colorful major gods, as well as several lesser gods. They will also get insight into the structure and rituals of the religion, such as the roles of the priests and kings and their relationships to the gods. This instructive book also explains how astronomy and the constellations figured into their worship. Readers will be captivated by explanations about the healing aspect of ancient Mesopotamian religion and gain a deeper understanding of how these fascinating people viewed the afterlife.

The civilizations of ancient India had their own different governments. In the Indus Valley Civilization, priest kings were at the head of government. The Maurya Empire boasted a stable, centralized government that allowed the flourishing of trade and culture. That government had weakened by the time of the Gupta Empire, opening the gates to foreign invaders and civil wars. This informative volume charts the changes in leadership in ancient India and ends with a comparison to Indias government today. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for student reports.

India is home to the world’s oldest religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as Jainism. All three evolved from shared beliefs and traditions, such as reincarnation, karma, and liberation and achieving nirvana. These beliefs and traditions evolved in the Indus River Valley around 3500 BCE. This volume explores the religions of ancient India, including rituals practiced and deities worshipped, to provide students with an understanding of the beliefs of the peoples of ancient India. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for reports.

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.

How do civilizations rise and, ultimately, fall? U.S. students can have a difficult time understanding that empires come and go throughout the course of history. This volume explains how a once-flourishing civilization ran into decline, once foreign invaders took over the weakened government and spread their influence. Students will learn how India evolved into the country it is today. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for students researching reports.

India has a long history rich in culture. The ancient civilizations of India, the Indus Valley Civilization, the Maurya Empire, and the Gupta Empire, were made up of sophisticated people whose art and lives contributed greatly to future generations. In addition to learning about the culture of ancient India, readers will learn how political and social changes of any region affect its art and culture. Boasting engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for report research.

A culture that has been around for 4,000 years, as Chinese culture has, obviously has a rich history. Ancient Chinese culture planted the seeds for modern China. This thought-provoking resource offers readers a glimpse into the major ages of China and their prominent contributions to history. Illuminating text details the influence of the Yellow River, the Shang (Bronze Age) ornamentation, the Great Wall from the Qin (Imperial Age), and silk use and the Silk Road of the Han. This insightful volume goes on to elucidate other cultural contributions, such as art, dance, drama, literature, and pottery.

From ancient Chinese concepts of the cosmos to their perceptions of the afterlife, the ancient Chinese had a rich and varied system of religion and beliefs. In this useful resource, readers will get an overview of the progression and development of ancient Chinese religions. The text illuminates the relationships between their gods and their priests and shamans. Among many other details, readers will learn about the relationships and rituals of Confucianism, the values of Daoism, and Buddhisms cycle of existence.

This informative volume illuminates for readers the basics of the lives of the ancient Chinese, from the clothes they wore, their hairstyles, and the food they farmed, hunted, and made throughout the various dynasties. From the larger societal social structure to the more simplified family structure within the home, readers will gain an understanding of how the culture’s rituals, such as those around tea, rice, religion, and clothing, set the tone for the people's everyday lives.

The civilizations of ancient India had their own different governments. In the Indus Valley Civilization, priest kings were at the head of government. The Maurya Empire boasted a stable, centralized government that allowed the flourishing of trade and culture. That government had weakened by the time of the Gupta Empire, opening the gates to foreign invaders and civil wars. This informative volume charts the changes in leadership in ancient India and ends with a comparison to India’s government today. With engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for student reports.