Look inside ...    The Ancient World by Albert Malet A comprehensive introduction to the ancient civilizations that arose in the Mediterranean Basin, with special emphasis on how geographical features shaped their development. The book is divided into three sections: The Eastern Empire, Greece, and Rome. In the first section the reader encounters the civilizations of Egypt, Chaldea, Assyria, Phoenicia, and Persia, learning not only the basis of each civilization but how they interacted with each other and how they changed over time. In the second section on Greece, the rivalry between Athens and Sparta is highlighted, showing clearly the highly divergent cultures of Athens and Sparta, followed by the rise of Alexander the Great and the conquest of Asia. Turning to Rome, the reader experiences the growth of Rome from its early days to the establishment of the republic, then the rise of the Roman Empire and its eventual decline. Ambitions of leading figures are clearly articulated, along with the strategies they used to achieve their ends. Throughout the narrative the author relates findings that expand our understanding of the ancient world — archaeological discoveries in Troy, Egypt, and Pompeii — and traces the development of things as foundational to our civilization as our alphabet and our form of government. This is the rare history book that is a joy to read, that provokes thought on a number of levels, and that uses language that is often arresting, as when he repeats the words of an Arabian conqueror: "Egypt is in succession a mud field, a sea of fresh water, and a flower garden."  Ages 11-18 370 pages $16.95

Table of Contents

Front Matter

Egypt
Egyptian Society
Chaldaea and Assyria
Chaldaean and Assyrian Society
Phoenicia
Persia
The Early Greeks
Gods and Heroes
Sparta
Athens
The Greek Colonies
Wars with the Medes and Persians
Athenian Civilisation
The Decay of Athens
Macedonia
The Conquest of Asia
Primitive Italy
The Beginning of Rome
The Religion of Rome
The Roman Army
The Roman Conquests
The Private Life of Rome
The Public Life of Rome
Internal Troubles
The Conquest of Gaul
The Rise of the Empire
The Pax Romana
The Decline of Rome

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