Don Nardo

Ancient Greece reached its height between 500 and 300 BCE, with its roots extending far back to the distant past. The civilization became the birthplace of democracy, a government run for and by the people. Brilliant Greek thinkers led a booming growth in science, philosophy, and the arts.

Explores the history and culture of Ancient Mesopotamia. Eye-catching photos, fascinating sidebars, and a "Contributions" special feature guide readers through the rise and fall of this great civilization, focusing on the people and accomplishments that made it unique.

"The Egyptians held that all the gods possessed a mystical force called heka. They believed it could be employed to solve problems or to protect, as well as harm, people. The ancient Egyptians took magic quite seriously and looked at it as an integral component of both nature and their relationship with the gods"--

"Humans are mortal, in that they are born, grow old, and eventually die. In contrast, the gods were immortal; they never aged and they lived forever. The other factor separating the mortals from the immortals in Greek eyes was the immense power those gods wielded. That power could either aid and support human civilization or utterly destroy it. A sense of wonder based on respect for the gods is an ever-present facet for of all the hundreds of surviving...

"Discusses the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the iconic photo of three firemen raising a flag at Ground Zero that typified the strong American spirit"--

Traces the history of the Roman Empire from the days of the Republic through the reign of the Caesars and the influence of Christianity to the fall of Rome.

Describes the geography, plants, animals, history, economy, language, sports, arts, religions, culture, and people of France.

Discusses the importance of the 1940 photograph of Hitler in Paris as a warning to the rest of the world that the Nazis had to be taken seriously.

Account of daily life during the golden age of Greece.