Ocean State Libraries

Home to some of the most remarkable feats of engineering as well as awe-inspiring natural vistas, ancient Egypt was a land of great promise fulfilled. Its pyramids, writing systems, and art all predate the Islamic conquest and are symbols of the civilization’s vitality. This volume invites readers to indulge in the splendors of ancient Egyptian culture and discover the traditions that have fired imaginations for generations. A detailed appendix...

Frequently cited as a land that birthed civilization and culture as we know it, the impact of ancient Greece on the world cannot be overstated. Its flourishing city-states laid the creative foundations for much of the literature, drama, art, and architecture we enjoy today, while advances in governance and law have shaped the development of democracy. This lively volume chronicles the major events and achievements of this dynamic society and profiles...

Amidst constant warfare and surges of cultural achievement, ancient Rome luxuriated in the splendors of its conquests and the glory of its Empire. Under the powerful direction of such leaders as Julius Caesar and Augustus, Rome secured its legacy as a foundation for much of the modern Western world. This provocative volume examines the many advances in governance, law, and engineering attributed to the Roman Empire as well as the individuals who shaped...

The cultural and intellectual achievements of Old World civilizations—ancient Greece or Egypt, for instance—can be glimpsed in present-day societies the world over. Unfortunately, accomplishments of the ancient civilizations of the New World have often been obscured by the colonial forces that eventually eradicated much of their populations. One glance at the imposing architecture left behind by the Inca or the mathematical strides made by the...

Provides historical information and interpretation on ancient civilizations in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, China, Africa, Israel, and elsewhere.

Describes the history and civilization of the Aztecs, covering such aspects as religion, art, culture, medicine, and technology.