This fascinating narrative introduces young readers to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. Evolving from their primitive ways to complex societies, these ancient peoples left records for archaeologists to piece together to glean what these peoples were really like more than 3,000 years ago. Among the civilizations examined are the Olmec, Zapotec, Aztec, and Maya. Lands, cultures, religions, and daily life activities are considered, as well as the colossal rock heads of the Olmec that still exist, the maguey plant that the Zapotec grew and used for making houses, and the temple at Chichén Itzá, among other remarkable facts and achievements.

In this comprehensive volume dedicated to ancient Chinese civilization, upper elementary–level readers will learn the different dynasties of ancient China, the memorable leaders that spearheaded them, and the lasting influences each period had on civilizations to follow. Readers will learn about the oldest examples of Chinese writing, which ruler was responsible for completing the Great Wall, and the cultural context in which Confucius became a prominent philosopher, among other fascinating details. These ancient Chinese contributions—all still well known today—constitute only a few of the aspects of ancient China waiting to be discovered.

It would be difficult to decide if the ancient Greeks are best known for their literature or mythology, for their philosophy or their government. On all fronts, ancient Greece paved the way for civilizations to come, making momentous contributions to humanity unmatched by other societies. This authoritative, upper elementary volume covers all aspects of Greek society, including daily life, deities and legends, and the political systems of Greek city-states. Important writers and thinkers receive equal treatment, with profiles of Sophocles, Plato, and Homer presented, among others—all amounting to an exploration sure to inspire awe of the might of ancient Greece.

Rome was the city that conquered the entire Mediterranean world. For almost 500 years, it presided over that world, shaping it, and providing instruction for all those who came later. The city fell to the barbarians, and the empire ceased to exist, but the ideas and ideals that built both the city and the empire can still be felt today. This book presents the fascinating empire of Ancient Rome, from its rise to its fall. Readers will learn how Romans lived their daily lives, as well as the accomplishments they contributed that continue to influence the world today.

This insightful guide explores the pre-Columbian native civilizations that thrived in North America, revealing a diverse range of cultures, languages, and customs. Particularly interesting is the examination of the various adaptations necessary for life in a continent that ranges from the arctic to the sub-tropic, including effective techniques for farming, fishing, and hunting. The devastating impact of European contact and conquest is described, as is the inspiring story of cultural survival in the face of near extinction. The modern life of native North American peoples and the ways in which they are keeping their heritage alive are also celebrated.

Ancient civilizations generated many innovations that are difficult to explain, such as the remarkable mathematical accuracy of the pyramids of Giza, the man-made fertile soil of the Amazon known as terra preta, and massive stone monuments too heavy to move in Peru and Lebanon, among other places. Given that modern science cannot explain these mysterious phenomena, one theory holds that ancient aliens were responsible for them. This volume examines the credibility of various paranormal hypotheses, giving readers the opportunity to explore the greatest puzzles of antiquity.

Exploring World History through Geography: From the Cradle of Civilization to a Globalized World takes readers on a fascinating and unique journey through time from many of the earliest world civilizations right into the 21st century. From the early civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia to our present-day globalized society, readers will learn how humans interacted-and still interact-with the environment around them, as well as the environment's role in not only shaping the society's world view but enabling the building of socially stratified and successful civilizations. Not your run-of-the-mill world history tome, this book examines world history through the closely related discipline of geography. The civilizations and events represented in the book, while not exhaustive, were selected to highlight geographic themes and areas of study. Upon completing the book, readers should have a firm understanding of the expansive, cross-curricular study of geography-from the study of world cultures and history to politics to the environment and Earth's physical processes. In addition, they will have a new understanding of the relevance of geography to not only human history but contemporary events, as well as their day-to-day lives. By presenting this history from a slightly different, geographic point of view, Exploring World History through Geography will inspire fresh curiosity in the world, both past and present.

Mayan ideas spread via broadcast and influenced divergent cultures and languages. It is possible to trace the influence of the Mayan civilization far beyond its confines (400 to 600 A.D.). One or two of these lesser civilizations may have existed contemporaneously with the great Mayan civilization, but most were at their best long after the great culture had declined. This chapter will emphasize the ties between these lesser civilizations and the Mayas and analyze their characteristics. Toward Mexico and the Isthmus of Panama, we will proceed northwest. Along the Gulf of Mexico and across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Mayas developed their arts of life in narrowing bands. In terms of importance, Comalcalco appears to be the most westerly Mayan city. A large ruin is also located near San Andres Tuxtla, and the Tuxtla Statuette is among the earliest dated Maya objects. Archaic and Maya figurines coexist in this coastal belt, where arid and humid conditions coexist. Mayan culture may have originated here. Little has been studied on the archaeology of this part of Mexico. Although the earliest known rubber specimens were found at Chichen Itza's Sacred Cenote, the material's ceremonial and practical uses are primarily related to the Olmeca and Totonac cultures. In southern Vera Cruz and western Tabasco, where the Aztecs later called Nonoalco, the Olmeca may be found. Ancient Mexican traditions frequently mention this region as a symbol of Maya civilization. Incense, water-proofing, drumstick tips, etc., were all made from rubber. There was also a sacred game played with a large rubber ball, with goals set high in parallel walls of a specially constructed court, which could be compared to basketball. Olmeca may have been a Mayan tribe, but they may also have spoken Mexican. The Olmeca ruled parts of the Mexican highlands before the Toltecs, according to Ixtlilxochitl's history. When the Toltec empire collapsed, they may have fled south, for we find a group of this name in Nicaragua at the time of the Conquest.

Between 3300 and 2900 BC, archaeologists believe that civilization (the rise of Sumeria, the Indus Valley Civilization, and Egypt) marked the beginning of complex cities. The Neolithic Revolution, when agriculture, animal domestication, pottery, and the plow came together, seems not to hold together, as we explored in the final chapter of descending Treta Yuga. There had already been millennia of critical discoveries and developments. Why then the abrupt shift to city living, stratified societies, and overproduction of food and other goods for trade or export? Archaeologists believe that man could finally do these things — that he was using recent inventions to an additional advantage. Our study of the yugas tells us that man suddenly wanted to do these things that he was using innovations known for millennia in new ways to suit his new motivation. Several large cities existed before descending Dwapara Yuga, but a new breed of city sprang up with Dwapara Yuga. These were larger and more complex and built around commerce. Many had shared granaries, artisans' districts, and marketplaces and were typically made on trade routes along rivers and coasts. We also see these cities' first significant division of labor and societal stratification. Artisans, scribes, and traders all became increasingly common occupations. Furthermore, there was, of course, the tax collector. As a result, governments began levying taxes on commerce, as they had already levied tariffs on agriculture. Sumeria and the city of Eridu are credited with being the first of the trend. Urdu is believed to have risen along the banks of the Euphrates River around 3300 BC. The famous city of Ur and dozens of others sprang up in the Tigris and Euphrates Valleys over the next 300–400 years, and Babylon was not far behind.

In this revised and updated 1993 edition the authors synthesize recent research to provide a comprehensive survey of Mesoamerica.