Great Civilizations

The Destruction of Black Civilization took Chancellor Williams sixteen years of research and field study to compile. The book, which was to serve as a reinterpretation of the history of the African race, was intended to be "a general rebellion against the subtle message from even the most...

At just over 5,000 years old, writing is actually a relatively recent invention. It has become so central to the way we communicate and live, however, that it often seems as if writing has always existed. But the question remains: Who invented writing, and why?In these 24 fascinating lectures, you'll trace the remarkable saga of the invention and evolution of "visible speech," from its earliest origins to its future in the digital age.

The first definitive biography of Moses Maimonides, one of the most influential intellects in all of human history, illuminates his life as a philosopher, physician, and lawgiver. Recalling such bestsellers as David McCullough's John Adams and Walter Isaacson's Einstein, Maimonides is a biography on a grand scale, brilliantly explicating one man's life against the background of his time.

For five centuries we have told ourselves a flattering story: that the peoples who lived along the Great Lakes and across the Canadian Shield were simple, and that the newcomers who arrived by ship were advanced. This book takes that story apart, gently and completely. Every society that has ever lasted had to solve the same short list of problems. It had to feed its people, keep them warm, bring them clean water, move them across distance, remember its laws, defend its homes, settle its quarrels, and teach its children who they were.

A jaded thief and an idealistic archaeologist form an unlikely partnership to solve an ancient mystery. Opposed at every turn by unknown forces, their journey takes them across 1880s Egypt in search of a lost temple to the other side of the universe, where magic is all too real. Being a foreigner's bastard, Louisa learned early to take from the world before it took from her. Like a whisper in the sands of time, a stolen letter hints at the unimaginable.

They built cities with indoor plumbing before Rome existed. They carved monuments from living rock. They engineered hydraulic systems that fed a million people. They developed writing systems we still cannot read. And then they vanished -- so completely that the modern world forgot they ever existed. History remembers the winners. The Romans, the Greeks, the Egyptians. But for every civilization that left a legacy we recognize, there are others that achieved extraordinary things and then disappeared -- swallowed by deserts, jungles, successor states, or simply time itself. This book tells ...

"A treasure trove of myths and terror… Atmospheric as hell… Immersive."-The Times Based on the podcast with over one hundred million downloads, Fall of Civilizations brilliantly explores how a range of ancient societies rose to power and sophistication, and how they tipped over into collapse...

Why did some thinkers reshape the world—while others were forgotten? Do you wish you could understand the greatest philosophers without reading dozens of heavy books? Are you searching for a clear, engaging introduction to the lives and ideas that shaped human thought? If so, keep reading. First published nearly a century ago, The Story of Philosophy made complex ideas accessible to everyday readers. Will Durant's gift for storytelling brings history’s greatest minds to life—from ancient Egyptian sages to modern European philosophers. Now, this updated and revised edition restores ...

The Great History of War From the first tribal conflicts of prehistory to the global wars that shaped the modern age, The Great History of War traces humanity’s relentless evolution through the lens of battle. This sweeping narrative explores how war has defined civilizations, inspired innovation, and reshaped empires across more than five millennia of human history. Beginning with the dawn of organized combat, the book journeys through the rise of ancient armies, the strategic brilliance of Alexander the Great, the disciplined might of Rome, the zeal of religious crusades, and the fury ...

All golden ages are marked by periods of spectacular cultural flourishing, scientific exploration, technological achievement and economic growth; yet no two are the same. Their beliefs, societies and place in the wider world all vary. Despite this, all previous golden ages have ended, whether it...

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 ...

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 ...

A detailed, illustrated exploration of 20 of the world's greatest mysteries. Go back in time and history and explore the wonders that have captured man's imagination for centuries. Be dazzled by a manuscript still undeciphered, an oasis in the desert abandoned, a legendary island lost, and a forgotten city rediscovered. Learn about the first computer, listen to the myths and legends, and visit cryptic sanctuaries beyond imagination. Crisscross the globe for answers, consider possibilities, and marvel at the ingenuity of past cultures and civilizations. Are they mysteries, lessons, or warnings?

Around 1200 BCE, the most advanced civilizations on Earth were destroyed in a single generation. The Hittite Empire — gone. Mycenaean Greece — gone. The great port of Ugarit — burned and never rebuilt. Trade networks that had connected the Mediterranean for centuries — collapsed. An entire world of palace kingdoms, international diplomacy, and bronze-age prosperity vanished in a cascade of fire, famine, and war. At the center of the destruction: a mysterious coalition of raiders the Egyptians called the Sea Peoples. Who were they? Where did they come from? And did they really bring ...

Unlock the story of Rome like never before Step into the heart of the ancient world and experience the rise, reign, and remarkable transformation of one of history’s most powerful civilizations. Three manuscripts in one book: Roman Empire: An Enthralling Overview of Imperial Rome Roman Republic: An Enthralling Overview of the Rise and Fall The Byzantine Empire: An Enthralling Overview of the Byzantium Here’s just a tiny fraction of what you’ll discover inside: The dramatic rise of Augustus — and how he turned chaos into empire. Scandals, betrayals, and bloodshed in Rome’s ...

A dazzling new history of the world told through the 10 major empires of human civilization. Combining breathtaking scope with masterful narrative control, Paul Strathern traces these connections across four millennia and sheds new light on these major civilizations - from the Mongol Empire and the Yuan Dynasty to the Aztec and Ottoman, through to the most recent and biggest empires: the British, Russo-Soviet, and American.

Unsolved Medical Mysteries: Explaining the Unexplainable is your chance to explore the strangest and most confounding cases in medical history. In 12 gripping lectures, acclaimed author, historian, and medical humanities expert Dr. Brandy Schillace guides you on a fascinating journey into the unknown, from historical enigmas to modern medical conundrums. With her unique blend of storytelling and scientific insight, Dr. Schillace digs into a range of medical mysteries

History books can lie. Rocks don’t; they tell us the real story. We have been taught that civilization began slowly—that the Ancient Egyptians were simple farmers who suddenly learned to stack millions of stones with copper chisels and hemp ropes. We are told the Great Pyramid was a tomb, the Sphinx is a portrait of a pharaoh, and the granite boxes of the Serapeum were for burying bulls. But the stone tells a different story. In The Forbidden Truth of Ancient Egypt, researcher Mohamed Elshenawy dismantles the official narrative—not with speculation, but with hard evidence. By ...

Filled with unforgettable stories of emperors, generals, and religious patriarchs, as well as fascinating glimpses into the life of the ordinary citizen, Lost to the West reveals how much we owe to the Byzantine Empire that was the equal of any in its achievements, appetites, and enduring legacy...

Filled with tales of adventure and astounding reversals of fortune, The Rise of Athens celebrates the city-state that transformed the world - from the democratic revolution that marked its beginning through the city's political and cultural golden age to its decline into the ancient equivalent of a modern-day university town. Anthony Everitt constructs his history with unforgettable portraits of the talented, tricky, ambitious, and unscrupulous Athenians who fueled the city's rise.