”A bold & imaginative page-turner that challenges ideas about the world of antiquity.” (Peter Frankopan (The Silk Roads)). ” This vivid & engaging book brings to life some of the most important moments in ancient history, moments that have shaped not only the politics & culture of bygone eras, but the institutions, thoughts & fantasies of our time.” (Yuval Noah Harari (Sapiens)). ” As panoramic as it is learned, this is ancient history for our globalised world.” (Tom Holland (Dynasty, Rubicon)). Acclaimed historian & TV presenter Michael Scott guides us through an epic story spanning ten centuries to create a bold new reading of the classical era for our globalised world. Scott challenges our traditionally western-focused perception of the past, connecting Greco-Roman civilisation to the great rulers & empires that swept across Central Asia to India & China
- resulting in a truly global vision of ancient history. With stunning range & richness Ancient Worlds illustrates how the great powers & characters of antiquity shared ambitions & crises, ways of thinking & forms of governing: connections that only grew stronger over the centuries as political systems evolved, mighty armies clashed, universal religions were born & our modern world was foreshadowed. Scott focuses on three epochal `moments` across the ancient globe, & their profound wider significance: from 509-8 BCE (birth of Athenian democracy & Rome`s republic, also the age of Confucius` teachings in China); to 218 BCE (when Hannibal of Carthage challenged Rome & China saw its first emperor); to 312 CE, when Constantine sought to impose Christianity on the Roman world even as Buddhism was pervading China via the vast trading routes we now know as the ` Silk Roads.` A major work of global history, Michael Scott`s enthralling journey challenges the way we think about our past, re-draws the map of the classical age to reveal its hidden connections, & shows us how ancient history has lessons for our own times.