What were the Beaker cultures? When did the Chola dynasty rule? Who were the Green Mountain boys? Did Hengist and Horsa really exist? This volume of the Oxford Illustrated Encyclopedia provides the answers to anyone needing specific historical information for projects, exams, crossword puzzles, or just for the interest of finding things out. Featuring more than 2,400 alphabetized entries, this volume covers early civilizations, ancient Egypt, biblical times, the Greek and Roman empires, and the history of European affairs up through the medieval period to the enlightenment and the advent of the modern industrial age. In addition, the Encyclopedia illuminates the historical development of America, Japan, China, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, and Asia. Supported by numerous maps and diagrams, color and black and white photographs, and cross-references, this work, along with its companion volume, World History: from 1800 to the present day, is a valuable reference for use both at home or at school.