This lavishly illustrated encyclopedia follows the dramatic history of the worlds early civilizations, from the first farmers of the Middle East to the rise of mighty empires in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Stunning photographs and detailed reconstructions create a vivid picture of life in the ancient world, while the comprehensive factfinders include a time chart, whos who, and lots more about gods and goddesses, mythology and details of recent archaeological finds. Enter the ancient world and discover: How writing first developed, Why Julius Caesar was murdered, What was the story of the Trojan Horse, How a woman became a pharaoh.