Examines the turbulent history of China, including the inventiveness of the Bronze Age society, the Barbarian invasions, the conquest by Genghis Khan, the rise and fall of the dynasties, and the Opium Wars. This book takes in the architecture of the emperors; the magnificent buildings of the Forbidden City; and the mysterious entombed warriors.
The Mycenaeans were the creators of a vibrant and powerful Aegean civilization which rose and fell between about 1600 and 1100 BC, during the Late Bronze Age. This book traces their development and describes where the Mycenaeans came from, their major achievements. It helps you learn their religion, political and social hierarchy.
This book explores two important moments of dislocation in Chinese history, the early medieval period (317--589 CE) and the nineteenth century. Tian juxtaposes a rich array of materials from these two periods in comparative study, linking these historical moments in their unprecedented interactions, and intense fascination, with foreign cultures.
This book constructs a coherent political and military narrative for Zenobia's life, confirming the depth of the 'third century crisis' of the Roman Empire, choosing between rival versions of what happened to Zenobia, and examining the myths that have surrounded her ever since.
Israel frequently features in the news, often for the wrong reasons. Violence in the Holy Land is an all-too-common occurrence. This book illuminates the evolution of the Jewish nation, forerunner of the modern State of Israel. It is the story of key formative experiences of the Jews, including the dispersion of the 'Lost Tribes of Israel, '.
In the sixth millennium BC, settlers on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers created the world's first cities. In doing so, they wrote the opening chapter of the history of human civilization as we know it. Paul Kriwaczek tells their extraordinary story.
The Sinai peninsula emerged in late antiquity as a distinct region of the Christian holy land, identified from the fourth century onward as the Old Testament place where the Hebrews had wandered, and God's Majesty descended'. This book explores the particular ideals and dangers associated with this remote political and religious frontier.
At ten years old, Nefret becomes a handmaiden to Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt. Nefret's diary gives an insight to the life of this most famous and powerful ruler; her brains and her beauty, music and merrymaking, her love for two great men, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her determination to rule Egypt well.
After the collapse of the Han dynasty in the third century CE, China divided along a north-south line. This title traces the changes that both underlay and resulted from this split in a period that saw the geographic redefinition of China, engagement with the outside world, significant changes to family life, and the introduction of religions.
Thisthoughtful introduction examines the many ways in whichthe peoples along the Silk Roads interacted, and considers the implications for economies and societies, as well as political and religious institutions. The book contains a range of primary material, some of which has been translated into English for the first time.
Provides an overview of the government of the early empires of China. This work discusses topics such as: the seat of supreme authority; the structure of central government; provincial and local government; the armed forces; officials; government communications; laws of the empire; control of the people and the land; and, problems and weaknesses.
Suitable for the general public and the students, who desire to understand the history and culture of their country, this work is based on a joint venture undertaken by a group of historians who go by critical, objective and analytical assessment of events and developments in accordance with the methodical discipline of scientific research.
Tells the fascinating story of ancient Mesopotamia from the earliest settlements ten thousand years ago to the Arab conquest in the 7th century. This book traces the rise and fall of successive civilizations and people in Iraq over the course of millennia - from the Sumerians and Assyrians to the Persians, Seleucids, Parthians, and Sassanians.
Sima Qian tells the story of the First Emperor, founder of the Qin dynasty, in whose reign the Great Wall was built and whose tomb was guarded by the famous terracotta warriors excavated in 1974. His account details the ruthless exercise of power but also the creation of an empire that endured until 1911.
Provides an insight into the wealth and splendour of Persian society - its rich palaces, exquisite craftsmanship and sophisticated learning. Remains from the royal sites of Susa and Persepolis provide a major focus in this illustrated catalogue. It includes sections on the expansion of the Persian Empire; arms and warfare; and trade and commerce.
An examination of the economic and political importance of women in the first Persian empire (559-331 BC). Sporadic Greek accounts give us a glimpse of their role, but these are hardly reliable. This book explores the importance of royal and non-royal women, from a Near Eastern perspective.
This book presents a clear, concise history of the extraordinary multicultural civilizations of the ancient Near East. * Bestselling narrative of the complex history of the ancient Near East. * Addresses political, social, and cultural developments.
Offers an account of the developments in the search for Troy. In this title, his wide-ranging study of the complex archaeological, literary and historical records has been includes. It also details the rediscovery in Moscow of the so-called jewels of Helen and the re-excavation of the site of Troy begun in 1988.
Turkey boasts a legacy of extraordinary richness and magnificence. From the dawn of civilization Anatolia spawned great empires of her own - Hittite, Phrygian and Lydian - and then felt the mark of Persia, Greece and Rome. This title presents 150 full-colour images to illustrate the unparalleled glory of Anatolia's matchless ancient sites.
After the collapse of the Han dynasty in the third century CE, China divided along a north-south line. This title traces the changes that both underlay and resulted from this split in a period that saw the geographic redefinition of China, engagement with the outside world, significant changes to family life, and the introduction of religions.
Led by the mighty Titus, the Roman army besieges Jerusalem. Arrows rain over the city day and night, and battering rams assault its defensive walls. After days of rebellion, at last their city falls. The citizens plead for mercy, but as the Romans march on the Temple of Masada, flaming torches blaze above their heads.
The First Emperor gave us the name by which China is known in the West and, by his unification or elimination of six states, created imperial China. This book describes his life and times and reflects the historical arguments over the real founder of China and one of the most important men in Chinese history.
Provides an overview of the government of the early empires of China. Topics discussed are: the seat of supreme authority; the structure of central government; provincial and local government; the armed forces; officials; government communications; laws of the empire; control of the people and the land; and more.