Ancient Construction: From Tents to Towers

Describes buildings and structures and examines methods and tools of construction in various civilizations around the world, from prehistoric times up until the end of the Roman Empire.

What do you think of when you hear the word construction? Skyscrapers, people in hard hats, and huge cranes and trucks probably come to mind. Construction is a technology that fulfills humankind's basic need for shelter. The story of construction is the story of civilization. As they moved from place to place, the first humans needed to build new shelters wherever they went. When civilizations grew, people needed larger, more permanent buildings. As a result, construction technology became more sophisticated. From Stonehenge and the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge, the evolution and rich legacy of construction is explored in this captivating resource.

Children's Literature

Another entry in the "Ancient Technologies" series succeeds in presenting a broad subject with insight and appeal. Liberally illustrated with full-color photographs of ancient structures and architectural art, the text introduces aspects of construction technology from the Stone Age through Ancient Rome. The authors convey a love of their subject without resorting to condescension and "Gee Whiz!" enthusiasm. For each era, they briefly describe several interesting things, such as the evidence that very few cavemen actually lived in caves, toilets were invented in Mesopotamia, the Great Wall of China is the only human-made structure visible from space, and Ancient Romans invented concrete. Because the scope is so broad, this title does not have enough detailed information for reports. 2000, Runestone Press, $25.26. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Jendy Murphy