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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Were smartphones and video games used in the Indus Valley Civilization, the Maurya Empire, and the Gupta Empire? Maybe not, but just because they were ancient peoples does not mean they didn't have sophisticated technology for the time. This volume examines the developments that allowed the progression and improvement of ancient India and connects them to technological innovations throughout the ages and today. Featuring engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for researching school reports.

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.

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 cultures rituals, such as those around tea, rice, religion, and clothing, set the tone for the people's everyday lives.

Were smartphones and video games used in the Indus Valley Civilization, the Maurya Empire, and the Gupta Empire? Maybe not, but just because they were ancient peoples does not mean they didn't have sophisticated technology for the time. This volume examines the developments that allowed the progression and improvement of ancient India and connects them to technological innovations throughout the ages and today. Featuring engaging text, rich and colorful illustrations, and an enhanced e-book option, this title is a valuable resource for researching school 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.

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 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.