Overview
With dozens of entries describing the history of ancient civilizations and the landscapes in which they thrived, this new reference series uses maps, reconstructed artworks, and photographs to provide invaluable information about the great cultures of the past.
This book explores the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers that was the birthplace of civilization. It witnesses the birth of writing at Ur, the remarkable flowering of Babylon, and the spread of the mighty Persian empire.
Synopsis
With dozens of entries describing the history of ancient civilizations and the landscapes in which they thrived, this new reference series uses maps, reconstructed artworks, and photographs to provide invaluable information about the great cultures of the past.
This book explores the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers that was the birthplace of civilization. It witnesses the birth of writing at Ur, the remarkable flowering of Babylon, and the spread of the mighty Persian empire.
Children's Literature
Known as "the cradle of civilization" which preceded the ancient Greeks and Romans, Mesopotamians lived in the region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Ancient Near East covered parts of what are now Iran, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel as well as all of Iraq. Over 12,000 years ago ancient Mesopotamia was a thriving progression of farming communities and later major cities that greatly influenced both the Greek and Roman societies. Technological and cultural advancements were significant contributions. As those two civilizations were rising, the Mesopotamians waned during the Persian dynasty in 486-323 BCE. A clear introduction helps ground the books as to their scope and structure. Certainly then, it is very useful to include a general timeline that indicates specific archaeological periods to capture their overall history. In addition, readers will discover technical inventions, art and architecture, and major events that complete the timeline which also has several excellent drawings. As with great kingdoms and empires of the time, Mesopotamia suffered many wars in the midst of key cultural accomplishments. Engaging charts, maps, artifacts, photographs, and drawings highlight archaeological sites, treasures, geography, and primary figures. Maps are atlas-like with time periods and colored keys to indicate specific regions where groups lived or migrated to. Students can then easily compare locations with present day boundaries. By having a consistent format and less than one hundred pages, books in the series "Facts at Your Fingertips" provide readers with an appropriate mix of text and illustrations. Also, ample captions supply further details and enhance the text.Information is presented well for older youngsters with a Glossary, brief bibliography, websites and an Index. Exploring Mesopotamia and other ancient lands in this series (Rome, Greece, the Aztecs and Mayans, and Egypt) offer opportunities to review assorted research skills while presenting common threads in the historical record that remain to this day. Reviewer: Susan Treadway, M.Ed.