Ancient Nonfiction

The world remembers Leonidas for how he died. This is the story of how—and why—he lived. At the dawn of Western history, one man’s final stand against an empire forged a legend that would echo for millennia. Leonidas: The Last King of Sparta is the definitive retelling of the life and legacy of the warrior who defied Persia at the narrow pass of Thermopylae — not as a comic-book hero or marble statue, but as a flesh-and-blood king shaped by duty, law, and fate. In this sweeping historical narrative, A. K. Thompson reconstructs the world that made Leonidas: a Sparta without walls, ...

Before the emperors, there was the Republic. Before the Republic fell, there was the Rubicon. History of the Roman Empire: Power, Betrayal, and the End of the Republic is a sweeping, uncompromising account of how one of history’s most sophisticated democracies collapsed into autocracy—not through foreign invasion or sudden catastrophe, but through internal corrosion, political violence, and the dangerous allure of strongmen. Based entirely on verifiable sources, this work strips away myth and romanticism to reveal the hard truths of Roman political decay and the rise of imperial power. ...

60,000+ women burned or hanged. So, why fear the healers more than those who killed them? Why did humanity's healers become history's most hunted? She delivered your babies. She saved your mother. She sat with your dying father. Then, accused of witchcraft, she died. The questions that haunt us: Why does the witch still fascinate us, inspire us, and terrify us? Why did entire communities turn on their healers? How did moles, pets, or poverty become proof of witchcraft? What made neighbors betray women they'd known for decades? Why did witch trials spread like a contagion across continents? ...

Discover the secrets of our past and unlock a deeper understanding of human development. Immerse yourself in the legacies of ancient civilizations and uncover the interconnectedness and impact they still hold today. Gain a comprehensive overview of the most pivotal societies that have shaped human history. Experience the achievements, beliefs, and complexities of ancient cultures through captivating narratives. Delve into the advancements of ancient China, the diverse culture of the Persian Empire, and the enduring legacies of the Maurya and Byzantine Empires. Learn about the foundational ...

Vietnam is not only a nation — it is a story of survival etched in rice paddies, temples, and revolution. Echoes and Empires: The History of Vietnam is a sweeping, human-scale journey through one of Asia’s most resilient civilizations. Spanning over 4,000 years, this is not just the history of a country — it’s the story of a people who have endured foreign conquest, cultural upheaval, colonization, war, and renewal, yet have never lost their identity or voice. This book guides readers chronologically through the major eras of Vietnamese history — from the mythic origin of Lạc ...

Award-winning exploration of the lost empire that rivaled ancient Egypt and Babylonia. Winner of the Outstanding Creator Award for Best Nonfiction Book 2025, First Place in Educational & Reference, and Best Research. For centuries, the Hittites slipped into near oblivion, until archaeologists pieced together their astonishing legacy from ruins and clay tablets. Drawing on decades of research, archaeologist R. Jay Driskill brings this enigmatic civilization vividly to life. From their sudden rise in the early second millennium BCE to their collapse around 1180 BCE, the Hittites reshaped the ...

In ancient Rome, death was entertainment. In their struggle, we see ourselves. Step into the roaring heart of the Colosseum—where sand drank blood, emperors ruled by spectacle, and men fought not only for survival but for eternal glory. Gladiators of Rome reveals the astonishing truth behind one of history’s most misunderstood institutions: the Roman arena. Far from mindless brutality, the games were a mirror of an empire—its politics, religion, engineering, and obsession with power. Drawing on ancient texts, archaeology, and modern scholarship, Simpson Varro reconstructs the world of...

A historical non-fiction book set in various regions of ancient North and South America during the pre-Columbian era. Unearth the forgotten legacy of the Mound-Builders—an advanced civilization that flourished across North America long before European contact. This compelling narrative dives deep into the rich history of these remarkable ancient peoples, exploring their impressive earthen mounds, complex social structures, and the tragic tales of knowledge lost to time and conquest. Their story is one of ingenuity, resilience, and ultimately, a poignant reminder of what was lost in the ...

In an age of warlords and plagues, one man ruled the world armed not with superstition or cruelty, but with reason. When Marcus Aurelius took the throne of Rome, the empire’s peace was already beginning to crumble. Beyond the Danube, restless tribes gathered. In the East, Parthian kings tested Rome’s strength. At home, pestilence hollowed out cities and farms. Yet amid chaos, the emperor sat by firelight in a soldier’s tent, writing meditations to himself about humility, duty, and the fleeting nature of power. The Philosopher King tells the sweeping, visceral story of Rome’s last ...

Brought to you by Penguin. This Penguin Classic is performed by Saul Reichlin, known for their roles in War and Peace and Miss Marple. This definitive recording includes an introduction by R.J. Hollingdale, also read by Saul Reichlin. Nietzsche was one of the most revolutionary thinkers in...

Spend twenty-four hours with the ancient Chinese. Travel back to AD 17, during the fourth year of the reign of Wang Mang of the Han dynasty, a vibrant and innovative era full of conflicts and contradictions. But as different as the Han culture might have been to other great ancient civilizations, the inhabitants of ancient China faced the same problems as people have for time immemorial: earning enough money, coping with workplace dramas, and keeping your home in order.

"Not only an engrossing read about the distant past, both informative and entertaining, but also a profoundly thought-provoking view of our not-really-so-‘new’ present . . . All medieval history is here, beautifully narrated."—Wall Street Journal "A lively history . . . [Jones] has managed...

A first-of-its-kind guide that outlines and explains the health-promoting properties of lymphatic massage, featuring five-minute self-massage sequences anyone can do at home. Thanks to the astonishing results it provides—glowing skin, a flatter stomach, enhanced immunity, and full-body...

What do the wheel, the printing press, the light bulb, and the smartphone have in common? Each began as a simple idea—and went on to change the course of human history. 100 Inventions That Changed the World takes readers on a fascinating journey through the breakthroughs that shaped civilization. From the earliest tools that helped humans survive to the advanced technologies that define modern life, this book reveals how creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving have driven progress for thousands of years. Inside, you’ll discover: How ancient inventions laid the foundations of society ...

Canadian botanist, biochemist and visionary Diana Beresford-Kroeger's startling insights into the hidden life of trees have already sparked a quiet revolution in how we understand our relationship to forests. Now, in a captivating account of how her life led her to these illuminating and crucial...

Discover the shocking truth about ancient Greece's most controversial women. While their Athenian sisters lived in seclusion, forbidden to leave their homes without permission, Spartan women ran naked in public, wrestled with men, and controlled vast wealth that made them the richest females in the ancient world. They were history's first female athletes, training from childhood in running, javelin, and combat sports. They owned 40% of Sparta's land and managed estates with complete autonomy. They chose their husbands, divorced at will, and wielded political influence that terrified the ...

Meet extraordinary black heroes throughout history—biographies for kids ages 8 to 12. You’re invited to meet ancient Egyptian rulers, brilliant scientists, legendary musicians, and civil rights activists—all in the same book! Black Heroes introduces you to 51 black leaders and role models from both history and modern times. This black history book for kids features inspirational biographies of trailblazers from the United States, Egypt, Britain, and more.

This guide brings ancient Rome to life with practical advice and a sharp wit. Stranded in ancient Rome? No phone, no antibiotics, no clue. Don’t panic. This is your snarky, meticulously researched handbook to surviving and thriving in the world’s greatest empire. Inside this ultimate roman empire book, you’ll master instant street smarts to navigate gladiator mobs, tavern scams, and chariot traffic like a true Roman. Learn to blend-in with toga etiquette, dining dos and don’ts (yes, the garum really smells), and why calling a senator “dude” is a terrible idea. Outsmart ancient ...

A "masterly" (Economist), prize-winning, internationally bestselling history of books in the ancient world "Exquisite. . . . Beautifully translated into English by Charlotte Whittle, who is able to convey both Vallejo’s passionate narrative presence and her synthesising intelligence.” —The...

The best complement to "The Urantia Book" has arrived to resolve many doubts about the origin of our universe... Gaia is the planet where we are condemned to suffer for the sins of other superior beings. In this second book of the saga "The Book of Gaia," we will observe that perhaps the existence of the human race may be a sin, a terrible mistake; but despite everything, the Universal Source has a destiny reserved for us. We are prisoners in a material world and need to transcend and elevate our consciousness to escape it. Our planetary history may be a mistake, something that should never...