DK Classic History – serie

Embark upon a fascinating journey through ancient Greece – from its rise and fall to its lasting legacy throughout the Western world.Spanning more than 3,000 years, Ancient Greece explores the tumultuous history of this glorious empire in vivid detail – from its Minoan and Mycenaean origins to the apogee of the warring city-states of Athens and Sparta, and from the death of its most charismatic leader, Alexander the Great, to its ultimate defeat by Rome.Sumptuous photography and authoritative, engaging text cover every facet of life in ancient Greece, from art, entertainment, and schools of thought to politics, medicine, and war, while the myths and religious beliefs of the ancient culture are explored and explained in depth.Greece’s military and political power shines through in fascinating maps of its legendary battles. Buried palaces and the Athenian Agora where Plato and Socrates discussed philosophy are brought back to life with stunning CGI artworks. And the stories of everyone from ordinary citizens to lawmakers and the first Olympic athletes are retold through eyewitness accounts and original artefacts.

Explore the long and rich history of China's great dynasties.From the clans and legends of prehistory to the last Qing emperor, this book brings China's imperial history to life through its pivotal events, political forces, and powerful people, in a stunning collaboration between British and Chinese publishing houses. Covering more than 5,000 years of history and featuring images of artefacts not previously seen outside of China, this definitive visual guide will captivate readers with the key events that shaped Chinese history and laid the foundations of the modern nation. Starting with prehistory and early humans, Imperial China sets the scene for the arrival of China's first dynasty, and reveals how the warring states of early China gave birth to the emperor-led dynasties - and China's long imperial age. With illuminating features on important historical figures, cultural achievements, and philosophy - such as the rise of Confucianism and the silk and tea trades - Imperial China explores how the Chinese empire flourished and declined over the course of two millennia - from the unifying "first emperor" of the Qin and the golden ages of Tang and Song, to the final fall of the Manchu Qing dynasty. With stunning photography of art and artefacts to bring key events to life, this exquisite and comprehensive history is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about China's extraordinary heritage.

Take a journey through Ancient Egypt and see how the pharaohs once lived!An enticing and insightful guide that covers 3000 years of life under the pharaoh's rule (c.3200-30 BCE), from the early kings of Egypt to the reign of Cleopatra and the Roman conquest, this book explains it all!Written by a team of respected Egyptologists, this Egyptian history book includes:Themed spreads which explore developments in areas such as religion, writing, painting, ceramics, and medicineBiography spreads which feature the lives of the most influential pharaohs and queensDetailed maps which set the main sites in context, and show the growth of the civilisation and its trade networkAn 80-page reference section which provides a directory of the pharaohs, gods, and goddessesUnlock every aspect of Ancient Egypt, from pharaohs such as Tutankhamen, discover the Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza and even ordinary people's everyday lives and beliefs. From 31 Egyptian dynasties and 3000 years of history to the time of Narmer, and to that of Cleopatra and so much more, this is the perfect comprehensive guide to Egypt's ancient civilisation.This up-to-date biography of Ancient Egypt is filled with so much to learn and experience. Filled with more than 850 photos, illustrations, and maps, this is the perfect book for adventurous thinkers, life-long learners, or anyone with an interest in ancient civilisations and Egyptology.

Immerse yourself in Africa's vast and intricate story and discover Africa’s true place in world history, written and authenticated by experts of African heritage.Spanning more than 200,000 years, from the emergence of the first humans to the rise of megacities, Africa explores the history and cultures of the world’s second-largest continent in vivid detail. It brings to life the stories that shaped Africa and the world around it, from powerful and influential empires and kingdoms such as Mali and Benin through the struggle against colonisation and the fight for independence to Africa’s place on the global stage today.You will meet some of Africa’s most important political and military leaders, including Hannibal, Mansa Musa, Oba Ewuare, Queen Nzinga, Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, and Ellen Sirleaf. Brilliant photography showcases the great art and architecture that African civilisations have created while engaging text written by experts of African heritage covers every facet of African cultures, from music and literature to oral traditions and languages. Specially commissioned CGI artworks recreate iconic buildings and life in lost cities like Timbuktu and Great Zimbabwe.Explore the pages of this awe-inspiring African history book to discover: The whole story of the African continent, covering every aspect from culture and trade to politics and societyChapters that explore religion, languages, music, literature, and mythology developments.Biography sections portray influential figures' lives, impact, and legacy in African history.Detailed maps set the main sites in context and showcase vast empires and key trade routes.An optional 80-page reference section provides a directory of the histories and cultures of all African sovereign states.Beautifully illustrated and unparalleled in scope, Africa is the perfect book for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Africa’s vital and inspiring history.