A reference book with elaborate maps, illustrations, and descriptions of ancient civilizations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australasia and the Paci c.

This atlas is more text-heavy than most, consisting of maps and illustrations accompanied by extensive captions outlining the cultures of many civilizations. Though not an in-depth study of any of these civilizations this atlas is a very good overview and introduction of the ancient world. It has a good balance of text, pictures, and illustrations providing useful information appropriate for a range of ages. Some of the illustrations of the more important and famous structures such as the pyramids of Giza and the Roman Colosseum have plastic overlays allow readers to look inside. The accompanying clip art CD contains images of many of the artifacts as well as of the maps found in the book.