Social Studies

Many books about Ancient Egypt focus on the lives of the pharaohs, however this unique book instead paints a picture of daily life for more ordinary citizens. Readers will learn about how people were educated, what role women played in society, and what family life was like--including facts about what childhood was like in Ancient Egypt.

Readers explore different aspects of Ancient Egypt's economy, including the importance of the sea to this civilization's economy and about how papermaking was an art essential to Egypt's culture. Students will gain an understanding of how the culture used money and which trades flourished during this period of history.

The Nile River was crucial to the growth of Egyptian civilization. Maps help illustrate the contrast between river and desert, and engaging text explains how geography influenced Egypt's settlement and migration patterns and even its religion. This book addresses people's relationship to their environment, a key social-studies concept.

Ancient Egypt was not a great empire at its outset, yet over time it became united under rulers called pharaohs. Each pharaoh was believed to be an incarnation of the god Horus. Readers will learn how this tie between Ancient Egypt's government and its religion helped forge an empire. They will also learn about the basics of Ancient Egyptian laws and draw parallels between the ancient world and today.

Egypt's pyramids are a testament to the technology used by this ancient civilization. Readers will learn about technologies, such as agricultural tools and irrigation systems, that helped Egypt thrive. Chapters explore how these innovations developed and the role technology played in establishing one of the most advanced cultures in the ancient world.

Ancient Greek culture has had a truly profound impact on Western civilization. Readers will explore the rich civilization of ancient Greece and the things that made it so influential. Mythology, theater, sculpture, and philosophy are just a few of the subjects discussed in this volume. A great cultural survey of a great civilization.

Daily life in ancient Greece was very different from our own, but with some startling similarities. Readers will learn how the ancient Greeks filled a typical day. They will read about professional life and home life, including the roles of women and children. And they will recognize studying, exercising, and spending time with family as aspects common to their own lives.

Ancient Greeks lived in a landscape that received more than 300 days of sunshine each year and little rain. Readers will learn how Greeks used everything at their disposal, such as the sea, minerals in the earth, and fertile farmland, to flourish as a civilization. The concept of a society's relationship to its land and resources is covered in depth.

Perhaps the most important legacy of the ancient Greeks is their invention of the form of government we hold most dear: Democracy. Ancient Greece's various cities and their forms of government, and the birth of government by the people, are presented in simple, straightforward language. An excellent resource on both ancient Greece and the concept of democracy.

Ancient Greece was one of the most technologically-advanced civilizations of its time. Readers will be introduced to Greek innovations from the civilization's earliest days through the Bronze and Iron Ages. Photographs of artifacts will draw in readers and excite their imaginations.

Learn about the many facets of Roman culture with this great introduction covering religion, philosophy, sculpture, architecture, painting, literature, sports, and the theater. The Romans' habit of adopting ideas, customs, and techniques from cultures that they conquered is discussed. Photographs of Roman buildings, reliefs, statues, mosaics, and frescoes offer yet more insight into this influential culture.

The family was central to life in ancient Rome. Explore the roles of women, children, slaves, and the all-powerful paterfamilias, or head of the family. Find out what that Romans enjoyed doing in their free time and learn what their food, clothing, and homes were like. Readers will be fascinated (even if some are slightly nauseated by the fact that the Romans considered peacock brains an exotic delicacy).

The success of the Roman economy is to a large degree beholden to its vast empire. While farming was the backbone of the Roman economy, trade played an important role, too. Learn about Roman mills, shops, construction, mining, currency, and taxation. Also explored are the roles of women and slaves in the Roman economy. Highly informative, with a wealth of primary source images.

The Romans really profited from geography. Rome had a pleasant climate, rich soil, natural defenses, and easy access to the Mediterranean. It was the perfect spot from which to conquer the known world! Learn how Rome used its geographical advantages to launch an empire filled with extensive road and aqueduct systems and towns designed in its own image.

Our own system of government was deeply influenced by that of the Romans. This invaluable guide traces the development of Roman government from Rome's legendary kings through its renowned emperors. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of the Roman Republic and roles played by patricians and plebeians during that period. A useful addition to both history and government collections.