World History For Dummies

Want to get a taste of the entirety of human history in a single book? With World History For Dummies, you'll get an overview of the history of, well, everything, from the Neanderthal experience to the latest historical developments of the 21st century. Re-live history from your armchair as you ride into battle alongside Roman generals, prepare Egyptian pharaohs for the afterlife, and learn from the great Greek poets and philosophers.

Written in the easy-to-digest style the For Dummies series is famous for, you'll discover:

• How religion, philosophy, and science shaped, and were shaped by, the great figures of history
• The human consequences of warfare, from historical battles to more modern conflicts from the 20th century
• What's influencing events in the 21st century, from climate change to new regimes and economies

World History For Dummies is the perfect gift for the lifelong learner who wants to brush up on their world history knowledge. It's also an indispensable resource for AP World History students looking for a supplemental reference to help them with their studies.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting into History 5

Chapter 1: Tracing a Path to the Present 7

Chapter 2: Digging Up Reality 19

Chapter 3: Putting History into Perspective 29

Part 2: Finding Strength in Numbers 41

Chapter 4: Getting Civilized 43

Chapter 5: Rising and Falling Empires 61

Chapter 6: Splitting Eras: The Middle Ages 77

Chapter 7: Struggling for Dominance 93

Chapter 8: Grabbing the Globe 113

Chapter 9: Pulling Empires Together as Subjects Push Back 135

Part 3: Seeking Answers 161

Chapter 10: Worshipping through the Ages 163

Chapter 11: Loving Wisdom: Philosophy’s Impact 185

Chapter 12: Being Christian, Thinking Greek 201

Chapter 13: Awakening to the Renaissance 211

Chapter 14: Breaking Away: The Reformation 229

Chapter 15: Opening Up to Science and Enlightenment 251

Part 4: Fighting, Fighting, Fighting 267

Chapter 16: Wielding Sticks and Stones: Old-Fashioned War 269

Chapter 17: Upgrading the War Machine 283

Chapter 18: Modernizing Mayhem 297

Part 5: Meeting the Movers and Shakers 313

Chapter 19: Starting Something Legendary 315

Chapter 20: Battling Toward Immortality 329

Chapter 21: Exploring and “Discovering” 343

Chapter 22: Turning Tables: Rebels and Revolutionaries 357

Part 6: The Part of Tens 373

Chapter 23: Ten Unforgettable Dates in History 375

Chapter 24: Ten Essential Historical Documents 383

Index 393

Peter Haugen is an experienced journalist, publisher, and author. He has written several history titles and appeared in publications like History Magazine and Psychology Today.

Relive the enduring moments of history

You can’t fit all of human history into a single book, but in World History For Dummies, you’ll find a broad and fascinating overview of critical events, people, dates, and concepts. Time-travel from the comfort of your armchair as you explore everything from the Neanderthal experience to the latest developments of the 21st century. Examine the impact of religion, philosophy, and science as they shape – and are shaped by – the great figures of history. World History For Dummies is the easiest and most fun way to experience the past.

Inside…

• Identify the modern impact of history
• Discover the rise and fall of empires
• Put history in perspective
• Explore ancient warfare
• Sample historical philosophy
• Meet important figures
• Ride alongside generals
• Pinpoint unforgettable dates