Ancient World: Book and Ebook Resources

Empire of Ancient Egypt opens with an introduction to the world and the geographic area in the years leading up to the empire, followed by a brief summary of the history of the empire. Sorting through the myths of popular culture and contradictory historical evidence, this volume provides a clear, detailed picture of the life and history of the ancient Egyptians.

Written by a noted Egyptologist, Handbook to Life in Ancient Egypt, Revised Edition explores 5,000 years of this mysterious civilization. Containing the most up-to-date information and organized thematically, combining historical and archaeological information in a highly accessible format, this volume is the only book that explores all aspects of life in ancient Egypt, from predynastic times to the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. In this new edition the author discusses the latest findings in areas that are currently at the forefront of Egyptological research. A new chapter on Egyptology describes the history of the field, the results of the latest excavations, and the techniques involved in new scientific studies, such as DNA analysis and the tracing of disease patterns. This newly revised edition takes into account the discoveries of the last few years that have led Egyptologists to change their perspective on some aspects of life in ancient Egypt, including a reevaluation of the purpose and functions of the Egyptian temples, the role of the Great Royal Wife, and the possible date and nature of the Biblical Exodus.

Living in Ancient Egypt primarily focuses on an ""ideal"" period set some time in the later Pharaonic Era. This book examines all the aspects of daily life across all strata of Egyptian society, from the priestly caste to the lowliest peasant farmer and the slaves, from food to religious beliefs. Coverage includes the Egyptian farming cycle, the pharaoh's role, marriage and divorce, education and trade, and entertainment and games in Egyptian society. This reference is a useful tool for students wanting to learn more about living in ancient Egypt. Chapters include: Nile, Giver of Life; Egyptian Society and Government; and A Land Ruled by Gods.

With new discoveries emerging on an ongoing basis, it is more important than ever to have a comprehensive reference that features the most current information available on the significant break-throughs in Egyptology. Still the only one-volume reference to a civilization that has long fascinated scholars and lay readers alike, Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt, Revised Edition has been extensively updated to include an additional 2,000 years of historical coverage. Now ranging from Egypt's predynastic cultures to the suicides of Cleopatra and Mark Antony in 30 BCE, this comprehensive book includes more than 2,300 detailed entries - over 1,000 more than in the first edition - as well as eighty-eight new photographs and maps. Each entry has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the most recent scholarship. Adding to the accessibility and reference value of this volume is a list of further readings to supplement all major entries, a revised bibliography, a comprehensive index, and a glossary. New and revised coverage Includes: Archaeological discoveries, including the long lost cities of Canopus and Menouthis; The eras preceding the unification of Egypt, ca.3000 BCE; The eras following the fail of the New Kingdom in 1070 BCE; The results of recent DNA studies of existing mummies; Political alliances; Social and religious developments.

Written by two successful and practicing archaeologists, Handbook to Life in Ancient Greece, Updated Edition encompasses all aspects of ancient Greek life—from the beginnings of the Minoan civilization in Crete to the final defeat by the Roman world in 30 BCE. Organized in the highly accessible format of the Handbook to Life series, this lively reference provides an authoritative look at this ancient culture. The updated edition brings this valuable book completely up to date, including information from the countless books and journals published on the subject since 1995, as well as 30 new images and maps. An important update to the subject, this comprehensive resource covers all aspects of life in this ancient civilization. Coverage includes government, religion, music, art and visual culture, architecture, literature, warfare, commerce, exploration, science, education, and daily life.

Living in Ancient Greece primarily focuses on an ""ideal"" period set some time in the Classical period of Perikles. This book examines all the aspects of daily life across all strata of Greek society, from the aristoi to the Metics and slaves; from food to religious beliefs. Coverage includes major Greek heroes, the mystery of oracles, festivals and their origins, fishing and farming, what Greeks ate, the training of athletes, and the importance of drama in daily life. This reference is a useful tool for students wanting to learn more about living in ancient Greece. Chapters include: A Land of Gods and Heroes; Living off Land and Sea; The Greek Family and Society; Greek Society and Politics; and Science and Arts.

Presenting the history, mythology and culture of the great civilizations of Greece and Rome, this work covers such areas as philosophy, technology, literature and art.

From the age of 20 until his death at 32, Alexander the Great and his armies from Greece swept across a vast region that included Persia, Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt. Ultimately ruling an empire that stretched approximately 2 million square miles across three continents, Alexander revolutionized the way was waged and extended the influence of classical Greek culture far beyond the borders of Greece and his native Macedonia. ""Empire of Alexander the Great, Revised Edition"" looks at what made Alexander a brilliant military tactician and a charismatic leader. It also explores what the Eastern world learned through contact with Alexander, and what Alexander brought to the West from the Persian Empire. Connections in our own world to Alexander's empire include the legend of the Gordian knot, pearls, the Egyptian metropolis of Alexandria, and the Septuagint, the first translation of the Torah from Hebrew.

Jonathan Mark Kenoyer and Kimberley Heuston use ancient beads, terracotta pots, trash found in a sewer, and many other primary sources to trace the history of this diverse region. In these pages is the story of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who used the power of knowledge rather than physical force to rule his people-an unusual idea at the time. Ancient texts and an epic poem called the Ramayana explain the practices and beliefs of Brahmanism and how they evolved into Hinduism. Columns inscribed by Emperor Ashoka illustrate the spread of Buddhism throughout the South Asian world. The sacred epic called the Mahabharata helps explain the development of the caste system. From geography and weather to Hindu gods and intellectual traditions, the characters and stories in The Ancient South Asian World weave the history of this vibrant region.

As recently as the turn of the century, Western images of India pictured it as a land of religion, luxury, and desperate poverty-holy men sitting cross-legged by the roadside, fat maharajas on bejeweled elephants, or poverty-stricken beggars picking garbage for scraps to eat. Now that image has started to change. Today Americans are more likely to imagine Indian workers in call centers taking jobs needed in the United States or kids winning fortunes on quiz shows as in Slumdog Millionaire. Admired for its spiritual traditions (two of the world's major religions-Hinduism and Buddhism-originated here), for its peaceful struggle for independence led by Mohandas K. Gandhi, and for its vibrant culture (from Bollywood and spicy cuisine to classical music and world-renowned authors), India has had a long and fascinating history. However, while most people are familiar with certain parts of Indian history and culture, the roots of the country's contemporary society and politics are not always well understood in the West. Covering approximately 5,000 years of history, this revised resource offers an accessible, reliable introduction to the rich and diverse history of India.

For almost 1,200 years, the Persians ruled a territory that stretched from the Black Sea into Central Asia, from India to Egypt and into the fringes of southern Europe. During that period from 550 BCE to 651 CE, the ancient Persians learned to cultivate crops such as wheat and barley and to domesticate animals; they also demonstrated their talents for architecture and art by building enormous palaces, such as at the site of Persepolis, and through intricate art painted on pottery. As their neighbors, particularly the Macedonian prince Alexander the Great, grew stronger, ancient Persia struggled to maintain its authority. Despite their eventual decline, the Persian empires had significant influence on the ancient world, including the idea of worshipping a single god. As the first monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism would lay the foundation for the development of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. ""Empires of Ancient Persia"" looks at the rise and fall of the Persian empires, the daily life of the people, and their influence on subsequent civilizations.

This comprehensive survey of Iran's historical development covers everything from its origins in ancient empires to its status as a modern nation-state. * Provides a chronological survey of key events in Iranian history up to the present day * An annotated bibliography surveys historical literature on Iran, including web resources

What do the wheel, the law, and belief in a single god have in common? All of these ideas first came to people who lived in the ancient Near East. As if these revolutionary developments weren't enough to make a mark on world history, these ancient innovators also came up with the most fantastic invention of all-writing. The Ancient Near Eastern World is filled with the scribes, potters, sculptors, architects, school children, lawmakers, kings, queens, farmers, and priests who designed and created that world.

This well-balanced reference on ancient Persia demonstrates the region's contributions to the growth and development of human civilization from the 7th century BCE through the fall of the Persian Sasanian Empire in 651CE. * Provides coverage of major events in ancient Persian history from the formation of the Median empire in the 7th century BCE to 65 CE * Includes photographs of various historical and archeological sites dating back to various periods of ancient Persian history

The World History series examines the eras, events, civilizations, and movements that have shaped human history, providing readers with insight into the past and its many legacies.

Authors William Fash and Mary E. Lyons use a wide range of primary sources including sculptures, hieroglyphs, pottery, and ancient tombs to trace the captivating history of ancient America. Readers accompany archaeologists as they unearth fantastic artifacts and spectacular buildings and decode ancient manuscripts to unlock the secrets of these cultures. From farming to the building of great pyramids and from sacred sacrifices to the Spanish conquest, The Ancient American World uses archaeological findings and ancient texts to explore the remarkable cultures of this region.

Archaeological excavations of their ruined jungle cities and decoding of their hieroglyphs have generated increased interest in the oncemysterious Maya culture. One of the Mesoamerican civilizations that flourished in Mexico and parts of Central America, the Maya are becoming increasingly known for their contributions to science, mathematics, technology, and other aspects of life. The Handbook to Life in the Ancient Maya World sorts through recent groundbreaking discoveries to offer an accessible thematic presentation of the latest research on all aspects of Maya civilization, from its earliest beginnings to the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century. Featuring a preface written by Peter Mathews, an influential Maya scholar and leading expert in the deciphering of Maya hieroglyphs, this volume profiles the everyday routines of the Maya with in-depth coverage of society, warfare, religion, architecture, astronomy, economy, writing, and daily life. The highly accessible format makes Handbook to Life in the Ancient Maya World an invaluable reference source for archaeologists, students, historians, and general readers alike. ""The authors of this book have done a masterful job in amassing information about Maya civilization from a wide variety of sources and from some reports that are so recent that they have not yet been published...In a field where new information emerges almost daily, and major discoveries still occur several times each year, the authors are impressively current in the information they provide...this book is an easy-to-read and most up-to-date account of ancient Maya civilization."" -Peter Mathews