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ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL HISTORY BOOKS

Books to enhance and enrich the teaching of ancient and medieval history to elementary and secondary students.
Includes Dover historical paper dolls and models and coloring books and Usborne history books.
Click on images with blue borders to enlarge them.

Books / Enrichment Resources / Myths and Legends / Usborne Books

Books on History

BkAncWrld.jpg (28682 bytes)Kingfisher Book of the Ancient World from the Ice Age to the Fall of Rome by Hazel Mary Martell. Kingfisher, New York, Hardcover with dust jacket. This lavishly illustrated reference book makes history come alive for anyone who can read at a third grade level or higher. Chapter headings are

    Prehistory                                             Ancient Rome
    The Fertile Crescent                              The Middle East
    Ancient Egypt                                       Ancient Europe
    The Far East                                         Africa
    The Indus Valley and India                    The Americas
    The Aegean Civilizations                        Oceania

The story of history is enhanced by pictures of people living out their daily lives in each culture, maps, and illustrations of artifacts found by archaeologists, There is a ready reference at the end with Glossaries, Chronology, and an Index. Click on the image to enlarge it. 160 pages. Size is approximately 9 3/8" x 11 5/8." Cat #KF-5657. 21.50-D

The Medieval World Series for ages 7-14. Each beautiful book features an aspect of life in the Middle Ages, lavished illustrated. Each book is $8.06-D

Ancient History Through Literature by Rea Berg. Beautiful Feet. For junior or senior high school students. $13.95*

AGE OF CASTLES SERIES, published by Steck-Vaughn. These colorful 48-page books each feature one aspect of castles during the Middle Ages. The text is attractive to middle and upper elementary readers, and includes background information, an occasional hands-on project, lots of color pictures, a time line at the back, and an index. Available titles below are 7.15-D each                                         

    Castle Under Siege  

    Knights and Castles by Richard Dargie. Begins with a history of knighthood and chivalry and then goes on to the training and life style of knights. It discusses war and tournaments and various knights of legend. At the end it discusses knights from the East, the last knights, and the decline of chivalry. Readers are shown briefly how to design a coat of arms and a round table, and how to make a sword hilt with modeling clay and Plasticine.

 

Ancient Civilization Mysteries. Learning Works. For grades 5-8, (gifted, grades 4-6). Students use their research skills to explore Greece, Rome, Mesoamerica, Egypt, Africa, and China through an exciting classroom adventure. Students can expand their learning experience with follow-up activities  and a list of web sites to visit. 112 pages. LW-376. $13.46-D

Ancient Egypt by Michelle Breyer. Teacher Created Resources, 1996. Interdisciplinary Thematic Unit, challenging level, for grades 5-8. This is a very thorough interdisciplinary unit study focused on ancient Egypt. It covers geography; economy, trade and transportation; science and achievements; simple machines; education and the arts; religion; government; and society and family. As a culminating activity, students can have a day of living history, with an Egyptian feast, reenactment of a funeral procession, a pyramid building competition, and more hands-on activities. Throughout the various subjects there are hands-on activities, accessments, vocabulary and comprehension pages and more. There is a literature connection section based on The Golden Goblet. Answers and bibliography are provided. 224 pages. BTH-1959. $16.19.

 

 

Ancient Greece by Michelle Breyer. Teacher Created Resources, 1996. This is a very thorough interdisciplinary unit study focused on ancient Greece. It covers early Greek cultures; geography; economy, trade and transportation; achievements; education and the arts; religion; government; Hellenistic Greece and society and family. As a culminating activity, students can have a day of living history, with Greek food, clothing, music and dancing. Throughout the various subjects there are hands-on activities, assessments, vocabulary and comprehension pages and more. There is a literature connection section based on Adventures of the Greek Heroes. Answers and bibliography are provided. 176 pages. BTH-1960. $16.19.

 

 

 

Ancient History Simulations by Max W. Fischer. ©1997, Teacher Created Materials. 96 pages. For grades 5-8. The purpose of this book is to help students  understand the relevance of  ancient history to their present existence. The simulations are based on the premise that although times change, human nature is a constant that binds us to those who came before us. The activities allow students to experience classroom learning situations that replicate the circumstances of significant events and / or cultures of ancient civilizations. The 25 activities in the book use problem-solving scenarios, classroom simulations, and simulated review games in a way that encourages higher level thinking skills. They encourage students to compare the struggles and ambitions of ancient peoples with their own. Topics covered include Farming vs. Hunting and Gathering; Ancient Mesopotamia; Hammurabi's Code; The Religion of Ancient Mesopotamia; The Economics of Ancient Mesopotamia; Geography of Ancient Egypt; Social Classes of Ancient Egypt; Religion of Ancient Egypt;; Ancient Phoenicia; Phoenicians: Latitude, Longitude Skills; The Assyrian Empire; The Ancient Hebrews; Ancient Persia; Ancient Greece; Ancient Sparta; Greco-Persian Wars; Ancient Greek Advancements in Learning; The Punic Wars Between Rom and Carthage; Social Classes of Ancient Rome; Augustus Caesar's Reign over Rome; Hopewell Culture of North America; Ancient Mayan Civilization; Ancient Mayans -- The Mystery; Ancient Mayans and Aztecs; and Ancient Incas of South America. BTH-1248.$11.69-D

 

Ancient Israel by Linda Hartley. McGraw-Hill, 1997. Part of the  Ancient Civilizations Series. 48 pages. For grades 5-8. This study of ancient Israel introduces students to the origins of two of the world's greatest religions. It includes a map of ancient Israel and  background information on the laws and beliefs that preceded Abraham. The activities help students to get to know the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Students meet  Moses and watch the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Ten Commandments. There are activities comparing these with the Code of Hammurabi and today's laws. There are activities related to the Ark of the Covenant, the Battle of Jericho, the Passover, life in Canaan, the Hebrew music and language, Jewish games, and ancient tools and agriculture. Students will meet Kings David and Solomon and study a few of Solomon's Proverbs. They will learn about Solomon's temple and the Dome of the Rock. The last activities relate to the division of the kingdom and the time of the prophets.  This book is out of print and my supply is limited. BTH-1828. $6.99*

 

 

 

Ancient Israelites and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide by Marian Broida. Chicago Review Press, 2003. This book covers the ancient history of the Israelites, the Phoenicians, and the Philistines, beginning with parallel timelines from 1200 B.C to 550 B.C. It describes the history, architecture, clothing, language and writing, work, food, and religion of each civilization. There are hands-on activities related to each topic, such as making models of architectural structures, making period clothing articles, preparing recipes, making articles related to occupations and religion, and learning ancient alphabets and how they were used. There is also a glossary, a list of children's books and web sites for further investigation, a bibliography, and an index. 140 pages. BTH-4082. $15.26-D

 

Ancient Rome by Michelle Breyer. Teacher Created Resources, 1996. This is a very thorough interdisciplinary unit study focused on ancient Rome. It covers geography; early Roman cultures; great leaders of the Roman empire; economy and trade; science and achievements; education; entertainment and the arts; religion; government; social structure and family life; and the fall of the Roman Empire. As a culminating activity, students can create a Circus Maximus. Throughout the various subjects there are hands-on activities, assessments, vocabulary and comprehension pages and more. There is a literature connection section based on How Would You Survive as an Ancient Roman?. Answers and bibliography are provided. BTH-1961. $16.19.

 

 

 

 

EI-070--XAP.jpg (9391 bytes)As It Was Series: These books are divided into three units: Issues, People and Places. Each unit is divided into three sections: Get the Idea! introduces and defines the concept and includes and activity to teach it. Get the Facts! provides multi-curricular activities based on the concept. Make the Connection! Each page in this section contains an open-ended activity which enables students to synthesis and evaluate the relationship between the concept and the content. Based on Bloom's Taxonomy. Each book is $8.06-D.
Available Titles:

Ancient Africa: Issues cover Early Agriculture and Herding; The Iron Age; Trade; Oral Tradition; Transition to Adulthood; Women and Marriage; Religious Beliefs; The Arts in Africa. People topics include The Origin of Man; King Piankhi; King Ezana; The Bantu; Sundjata; Mansa Musa; Sonni Ali; Askia the Great; Osei Tutu. Places discussed are Kush; Axum; Ghana; Timbuktu; Great Zimbabwe; The Great Rift Valley; The Kalahari Desert; The Serengeti Plain; The Cape of Good Hope. Cat.#BTH-397.

Ancient Greece: Issues covered are Philosophy and Sophistry; City-States; Democracy; Humanities; The Peloponnesian War; Women; Classical Greek Architecture; Stoicism; The Hellenistic Age. People topics include Athena; Homer; Pericles; Sophocles; Socrates; Plato; Aristotle; Euclid; Archimedes. Places introduced are Mycenae; Troy; Mount Olympus; Thebes; The Parthenon; Delphi; Acropoli; Marathon; Sparta; Map of Ancient Greece is included.
Cat.#BTH-395.

Ancient Egypt: Issues covered are Hieroglyphics; Mummification; Book of the Dead; Religion; Art Irrigation; Dynasties; Slavery; Food Production. People topics include Isis and Osiris; Amon-Re; Menes; Hatshepsut; Nefertiti; Seti I; Ramses II; Imhotep; Cleopatra. Places introduced are Nile Delta; Cities of the Dead; Memphis; Thebes; Nubia; Abu Simbel; Pyramids; Upper and Lower Egypt; Cataracts. Cat.#BTH-394.

Ancient Rome: Issues covered are The Roman Republic; The Punic Wars; Pax Romana; The Roman Empire; Roman Architecture; City Planning; Roman Legions; Gladiatorial Combat; Slavery. People topics include Romulus and Remus; Cato the Elder; Cicero; Julius Caesar; Mark Antony; Virgil; Ovid; Nero; Constantine the Great. Places introduced are The Tiber River; The Forum; Gaul; The Appian Way; Pompeii; Hadrian's Wall; Catacombs; Circus Maximus; Aqueducts. Map of Ancient Rome is included. Cat.#BTH-396.

 

Ancient Egyptians and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide by Marian Broida. This unique book for ages nine and up portrays life among the Nubians, Mesopotamians, Hittites, and the Egyptians from around 3100 B.C. when upper and lower Egypt became one kingdom, to the death of Queen Cleopatra under the Romans, in 30 B.C. Includes many hands-on projects such as building a Nubian irrigation machine, creating a Mesopotamian cylinder seal out of clay, making kilts like those worn by Egyptian boys and men, and writing in Hittite cuneiform. 186 pages. $15.26-D AnEGYPT.jpg (23934 bytes)

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Classical Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in Ancient Greece and Rome: Includes timelines and maps of Ancient Greece and Rome. More pages are devoted to most topics than are devoted to the same topics in the Hands-on Heritage Series.   For example, there are many more Greek recipes in this book, whereas The Ancient Greek Activity Book from the Edupress series has a two-page spread for fixing a Greek meal with three recipes, historical background, and suggestions for decorating. Classical Kids has two pages describing the basic Greek diet followed by nine pages containing six   different recipes. The print is bigger in Classical Kids, and the illustrations bolder, but the Edupress books get more material on each page. (By the way, the recipes  are not the same in both books.) This book is priced at 13.46-D, only a dollar more than getting both the Greek and Roman Edupress activity books. This book, also softcover,  has 182 pages as opposed to 48 pages each in the Edupress books.
Days of Knights and Damsels: An Activity Guide by Laurie Carlson. This book, too, is much more detailed than its Edupress counterpart. For example, under games, the Edupress Medieval Times Activity Book devotes one page to games, whereas Days of Knights and Damsels gives the subject 13 pages and 17 more for dolls, instruments, puppets, juggling, magic tricks, and other entertainment. The Edupress book gives two pages to illumination and manuscripts, whereas Days of Knights and Damsels has 16 pages of activities involving writing and books. Both books cover heraldry, but Edupress actually gives more information and activities on castles, knights, and tournaments. Both books have reading lists for children. Days of Knights and Damsels is softcover,   has 174 pages and is $13.46-D.  The Edupress book has 48 pages and is 6.95. Knights.gif (25038 bytes)

 

David Macauley Books: David Macauley's books have been translated into a dozen languages, and he has been honored with countless awards for his work, including a medal from the the American Institute of Architects for being "an outstanding illustrator and recorder of architectural accomplishments. As you begin to look through his books, you will understand why, even as you begin to understand how some of the great structures in these periods of history were built. 

    Castle, Houghton Mifflin, 1977. In this book he traces the planning and construction of both castle and town from the hiring of a skilled engineer to the actual test of castle defenses in battle. All the plans and steps in the construction are illustrated in detail. Illustrations are black and white. 80 pages. BTH-2747. $8.96-D

    Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction.  Houghton Mifflin, 1973. This book illustrates in great detail how an imaginary Gothic cathedral was built in 13th-Century France. There is just enough text to explain the drawings. Illustrations are black and white. 80 pages. BTH-2748. $8.06-D

    City: A Story of Roman Planning and  Construction.  Houghton Mifflin, 1974. This book explains and illustrates in black and white drawings how the Romans planned and constructed their cities in places where there had not been cities previously. They planned them to hold a certain predetermined maximum population, with the idea that when the population began to outgrow the city, a new city would be built. This book uses the example of an imaginary city typical of those founded between 300 B.C. and A.D. 150 and shows how it was planned and constructed. It was designed to provide an adequate water supply, and sewage and transportation systems for its planned maximum population. Cities that outgrew these systems also tended to destroy the farmland on which they depended for their food. The author believes we would be wise to plan our cities in such a way today. A small bit of text is supplemented by the drawings that show in detail the steps in building the city -- from the surveying, designing , drawing to gathering materials, marking off streets, building roads and bridges, to constructing the actual buildings and systems. One double-page spread shows a variety of workman using their various tools, which are all labeled. You will see interiors, exteriors, and cross-sections of the various structures as they are built. It is very thorough, and will really appeal to little ones who are fascinated when they see construction in progress. 112 pages with glossary. 112 pages. BTH-2763. $8.06-D

   Pyramid, Houghton Mifflin, 1974. he author explains through text and intricate black and white illustrations how an ancient Egyptian pyramid was built. 80 pages. BTH-2774. $8.06-D

Famous Men of Ancient Rome: Lives of Julius Caesar, Nero, Marcus Aurelius and Others by John h. Haaren and A.B. Poland. Dover, 2005. The biographical sketches in this book are arranged chronologically from 753 B.C. to A.D. 476 when Rome fell. The book begins with the story of Romulus and Remus. There are 30 chapters in all and students will meet the men in the title, Junius Brutus, Horatius, Cincinnatus, Cato the Censor, Pompey the Great, Cicero, Titus, Constantine the Great, and many others not so well-known. This book is just right for students in grades 3-7. This is an unabridged republication of Famous Men of Rome, originally published by American Book Company in 1904. BTH-2349. $7.16-D


Footsteps in Time Series: These are aimed at primary age children, and contain activities, crafts, and history. Text is large and easy to read for young eyes. Pictures are simple, large, and bold. Crafts are illustrated and are simple enough for primaries to do. Title page has Table of Contents and a Time Line. 24 indexed pages each. 3.56-D. Titles for this time period include The Greeks. Out of print, supplies limited to stock on hand.  Mention both series and title when you order.

Hands-on Heritage Series and Photo Fun Activities by Edupress. These focus on crafts and activities.

How Would You Survive? Series: A new interactive series which focuses on daily life. Aimed at upper elementary and above.

Kings, Queens, Castles, and Crusades: Life in the Middle Ages by Zelma Kalley. Good Apple, © 1997. This supplemental resource begins with a brief overview of the Middle Ages and then helps students explore the period as they examine the lives of William the Conqueror; Eleanor of Aquitaine; Joan of Arc; Geoffrey Chaucer; and Robin Hood. There are plenty of engaging reproducible pages and special projects to help students integrate what they learn, and practice critical thinking skills. The background information for each unit is designed to appeal to middle school students in grades 5-8, and it also introduces new vocabulary. An "If you were" activity for each person studied invites students to walk in the shoes of the characters they are reading about. Illustrations are based on original documents and artifacts. Very good condition, but may have a little cover wear from being on display. 94 pages. BTH-3151. $11.93-D

 

Knights.jpg (14519 bytes)Knights and Castles: 50 hands-On Activities to Experience the Middle Ages by Avery Hart and Paul Mantell. A Kaleidoscope Kids Book by Williamson Publishing. A journey into 900 years of amazing history where readers can get to know the people of the Middle Ages -- Charlemagne and King Arthur, Marco Polo and Saint Francis of Assisi, Druids, troubadours, monks, nobles, knights and peasants. Readers can learn to build a castle with a moveable drawbridge and catapult; keep time with a homemade hourglass; enjoy a messy medieval feast, and play games like Bocci and Chess. Kids will feel part of the medieval past, enjoying a mystical time of castles, kings, cathedrals, and conquests. Cat. #Wlsn-171. $9.86-D

2054bfr.jpg (25338 bytes)Magna Charta, written and illustrated by James Daugherty. This is the story of how three men, Stephen Langton, William Marshall, and Hubert de Burgh, heroically stood against the deceitful and crafty King John of England on June 14, 1215. The blow they struck for English freedom has affected the Western World ever since. First published in 1956, this has recently been reprinted by Beautiful Feet Books. 181 pages. BT. #2053. $11.95*

Medieval Feast, by Aliki. This picture book for ages 7 to 11 details the elaborate preparations that had to be made whenever a lord and lady had to prepare to entertain the King. It took them weeks to set up the rooms and prepare the feast itself. And they really did bake four and twenty blackbirds into a pie! This is a must-read for those studying medieval history. Click on image to enlarge it. Cat. BTH-2478, $6.26-D.

Medieval History Through Literature by Rea Berg. Beautiful Feet. For junior or senior high. $14.95*

Metropolis Series: These guides give practical information about life in cities of the past, including guidebook details for "time travelers" -- Is the weather good? Where will I stay? How will I get around? Will I like the food? and more information that would be of interest to those staying in the cities such as important sights to see. There are tips on local customs and useful phrases, as well.

The books are very visual. Each two page spread is a detailed full-color picture and on one of the pages is the square with the text and some smaller pictures that show details not seen in the larger picture. Each page is a feast for the eyes with just enough text to satisfy curiosity and provide information about the pictures. At the end of each book is a glossary and index. Both front and back of books have a two-page aerial view of the town, similar to that on the cover, but larger. Books are $8.08-D apiece.

Ancient African Town: Topics include Around the Town, The Oba's Palace, The Oba's Shrine, The Great Procession, Metalworkers' Ward, The Oba's Market, Storytellers' Corner, Chief's Quarters, Brassworkers' Ward, Clothes and Weavers, Walls and Gates, Queen Mother's Palace, Villages and Farms.   Cat. #Watts-153606. $8.06-D
Click on image to enlarge it.

 

 

          Egyptian Town: Topics include Around the Town, Fishing in the River, The Farming Year,             Craftworkers, Pyramids and Tombs, Preparing a Mummy, A Mortuary Temple, The Pharaoh's Palace, At the Temple, The Quayside, The Market-Place, A Merchant's House, A Nobleman's Feast. Cat. #Watts-153444.    $8.06-D
Click on image to enlarge it.

 

 

 

        Greek Town: Topics include Around the Town, The Council-House, The Temple, The Town Square, Craftworkers' Quarters, A Family Home, Open-Air Theater, At the Games, Town Defenses, The Sacred Sanctuary, The Cemetery, A Farm in the Country, The Port and Harbor. Cat. #Watts-153797.    $8.06-D

        Roman Town: Topics include Around the Town, The Villa, Transportation and Tombs, At the Theater, A Merchant's House, The Slums, The Forum and Market, The Army, The Temple, The Baths, The Shops, the Docks.  Cat. #Watts-153452.    $8.06-D

        Viking Town: Topics include At the Harbor, A Family at Home, What's Made in Town, The Merchant's Camp, Defending the Town, The Shipyard, A Raiding Party, Buying Livestock, In the Country, Traveling Around, Beyond the Grave, A Feast. Cat. #Watts-153800. $8.06-D

   

 

 

The Middle Ages: A Study Unit to Promote Critical and Creative Thinking by Rebecca Stark. This is an information-based independent learning unit for grades 4-9 which may be used for group, class, or individual study. It's objective is to give students an overview of the Medieval Period while helping them to develop critical thinking skills. The activities encourage divergent thinking, flexible thought, and originality. The information that introduces the activities provides valuable historical and cultural background to this period. The activities themselves range from unscrambling words and deciphering codes to designing a tapestry and creating a political cartoon satirizing the heavy armor of the late Middle Ages. There are also plenty of writing activities and chances to design a stained glass window and a shield. These are just a few examples of the wide variety of activities . There is a bibliography at the end, as well as the answers to the objective exercises. There is also a full-color 20" x 24" poster of life in the Middle Ages attached at the back of the book. CatBTH-339. $14.3-D

MummySm.jpg (9250 bytes)Mummies: A Very Peculiar History by Nathaniel Harris. This approximately 8-inch square paperback brings to light the amazing and sometimes bizarre facts about mummies. Learn the stories of corpses from the past for the earliest Egyptian mummies to the deep frozen bodies in the Arctic. This book is very visually oriented, with as much space devoted to illustrations as to text. The print is smaller than that in many children's books, and the subject matter also makes this book more appropriate for preteen readers and up than for younger children, who might find the pictures too graphic in portraying the dead quite realistically. Discusses Egyptian religious beliefs concerning the afterlife, and goes into detail on embalming and wrapping the dead. This might satisfy the desire of some young people for something "spooky" without having to turn to fiction. Supply limited, since this is now out of print. Order by title. $5.93-B. Click picture to see a full-page enlargement, but be ready to wait a bit for it to load. (61,183 bytes)

Mummies and Their Mysteries, by C. Wilcox. Provides a thorough introduction to mummies, both human and animal, from all over the world. Illustrated with color and black and white photos. Upper elementary level. Cat. #378. $7.95

Mummies Made in Egypt, by Aliki. This picture book for those ages 8 to 12 explains all you need to know about the how and why of mummies. Why did the Egyptians choose this particular way to bury their dead? What exactly did they do during the 70 days of the mummy-making process? The easy-on-the-eyes text clarifies all the details in the intricate pictures. Cat. #71, $6.26-D.

Mysteries in History: Ancient History by Wendy Conklin. Teacher Created Resources, 2005. This book challenges students in grades 5-8 to explore ten important unexplained events that helped shape ancient history. The book provides primary source materials, illustrations, and simulations. Students can work independently or in groups and develop their critical thinking skills as they assemble the clues to come to conclusions about these events. Since there are no right or wrong answers, class discussion is sure to be lively. Here are the mysteries in this book: Who Invented the Alphabet?; Was King Tut Murdered?; Troy: Was There a Horse?; Stonehenge; Is Atlantis a Legend?; The Terracotta Soldiers; Did King Arthur Exist?; Mysterious Lines; Statues on Easter Island; and The Secret of the Iceman's Death. There is also a timeline of ancient events and a bibliography. 144 pages. Student pages are reproducible.  BTH-3149. $13.49-D

 

OTdays.jpg (28605 bytes)Old Testament Days: An Activity Guide by Nancy Sanders. Contains more than 80 projects drawn from archaeological evidence and Bible descriptions that make Old Testament days come alive for children ages 5-12. The children can enjoy a desert picnic of dried figs, goat's milk cheese, and lentil stew. They can make a loose tunic such as the one Isaac wore, or a painted throwing stick or wooden paddle doll like the ones Moses might have played with in the Pharaoh's palace. They can also make the kind of instruments the Israelites used to celebrate their return to Jerusalem in 300 B.C. There are also many other games, recipes, crafts, set in their  historical background for plenty of creative hands-on learning. 166 pages. BTH-4037. $13.46-D

Over 1,600 Years Ago: In the Roman Empire, by Philip Sauvain. A New Discovery Book. Hardcover, 32 pages. Reading level about 3rd-5th grade. Describes what life was like in ancient Rome. Discusses aspects of life such as transportation, the army, dwellings, food, and entertainment.  Includes time line and glossary, and index. 3.50B

Peoples of the Ancient World Series by Crabtree Publishing. This series is for ages 8-14. Through the books in this series, young people can travel back in time to explore the first civilizations of the world. Timelines, maps, color illustrations, and artwork from ancient sources combine with simple text show how people in civilizations between 3000 B.C. and 500 A.D. were governed, how people lived, and how they created art and technology. Each book has a glossary and index. 32 pages each. The twelve books available are Life in the Ancient Indus River Valley, Life in Ancient Japan, Life in Ancient South America, Life in Ancient Africa, Life of the Ancient Vikings, Life of the Ancient Celts, Life in Ancient Rome, Life in Ancient Greece, Life in Ancient Mesopotamia, Life in Ancient China, Life in Ancient Egypt, and Life in Ancient Mesoamerica. I try to stock the titles on civilizations not duplicated by books from other publishers, but I can special order any books you need in what ever quantities you need. Books are $8.09-D each.

Peoples of the Past Series: These 64-page books on ancient history focus on everyday life in ancient civilizations. Unlike Usborne and similar highly graphic books, the focus of these books is on the text. Although the text is supported by several color pictures on each page, the effect is much less busy than that of the Usborne books. These books are designed for those in the fourth grade and up. Order by series name and title. Available titles are The Romans: Life in the Empire; The Ancient Egyptians: Life in the Nile Valley; and The Ancient Greeks: In the Land of the Gods. 7.16-D each.

Pharaohs.jpg (6157 bytes)Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt by Elizabeth Payne.   A trade paper Landmark book. The author begins with the Rosetta Stone and examines the discoveries archaeologists have made that have helped us learn the secrets of Egypt's first kings. Cat. #RH-6990. $5.39-D

Riddle of the Rosetta Stone: Key to Ancient Egypt, by J. Giblin. Explains how the puzzle of the Rosetta Stone was solved. For upper elementary students and older. Cat. #116. $5.95

Thematic Units from Teacher Created Resources: These are cross-curricular, literature-based and ready-to-use reproducible unit studies. Each book offers two or more literature-based units with lesson plans and worksheets, a culminating activity, management ideas, and a bibliography.

    Ancient China by Michelle Breyer. 2004. The literature works needed for this program are The Ancient Chinese by Hazel Martell and Between the Dragon and the Eagle by Mical Schneider. BTH-1829. $8.99-D

    Ancient India by Michelle Breyer, 2004. The literature works needed for this unit on Ancient India are Exploration into India by Anita Ganeri and Tusk and Stone by Malcolm Bosse. BTH-1830. $8.99-D

    Ancient Japan by Michelle Breyer, 2004. The literature works needed for this unit on Ancient India are Exploration into Japan by Richard Tames, The Samurai's Tale by Erik Haugaard, and The Sign of the Chrysanthemum by Katherine Patterson. BTH-1831. $8.99-D

    The Renaissance by Linda J. Larsen, 2003. The literature works needed for this unit on The Renaissance are The Renaissance by Tim Wood, The High Voyage: The Final Crossing of Christopher Columbus by Olga Litowinsky, and Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema.  BTH-1832. $8.99-D

 

World History Made Simple: Matching History with the Bible by Ruth Beechick. Mott Media, 2006. This book is best described by the author in her preface: "This book is an  attempt to condense for today's students my journey from 1961 [when she read Morris' The Genesis Flood] and to pull together in readable form what I see at this time to be the best and most Biblical view of world history. I explain how our history got mixed up in the first place and how the Bible is the best tool for straightening it out. " The book was written for teenage students, but adults may also find reading it to be valuable. It can be used by anyone in grades five and up. The author suggests working through the first four chapters sequentially without a break and dropping for that time whatever other curriculum you are using in history (since it provides a framework for other history) and  language arts (since this study involves reading, discussing, listening, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and critical thinking.) 121 pages. BTH-3180 . $12.56-D

 

 

Usborne Books: There is a series for almost every age level. Detailed color illustrations are supported by explanatory text that has print size and type appropriate for the age level being targeted. Usborne books are best for children who are highly visual, who might read the supporting text because they want to understand the pictures. I can get any Usborne book, but for many reasons I don't keep all of the history titles in regular stock. The Usborne bias is definitely evolutionary and Old Earth, and this shows up in all the time lines, charts, etc., especially in history, geography, and in the sciences. These are the titles I attempt to keep stocked.

Mi primera enciclopedia de Historia by Fiona Chandler. EDC, 2003. An Usborne book. For eight years old and up. Fountas & Pinnell  Level N, Reading Level Grade 3. Todas las repuestas se encuentran en esta amena enciclopedia, que da a conocer la Historia a los jóvenes lectores a través de un texto accesible, fotografias impresionantes, detalladas ilustraciones y enlaces a sitios Web recomendados y revisados con regularidad.  64 pages. BTH-4108. $8.99-D

 

    Ancient World, Internet Linked, by Fiona Chandler. From the first farmers to the fall of Rome, this lavishly illustrated book will provide fascinating facts about early civilizations -- not only in Europe, but all over the world, from Asia and Africa to the New World. This is an Internet-linked book with descriptions of websites especially chosen to expand your knowledge of the subjects in this book in an entertaining and informative way. 96 pages. For ages 9 and up. BTH-1563. $13.46-D

Usborne Book of Castles by Lesley Sims. 104 pages. 2002. This lavishly illustrated book for ages 9 and up will explain almost anything one could want to know about castles and the people who lived in them. From the earliest castles to the great stone castles, you'll take a tour of castle history. You'll learn how castles were built and protected and who worked and lived in them and how. You'll learn about medieval war and weapons and about chivalry, with its knights, tournaments, and heraldry. And you'll learn why castles declined. This is an Internet-linked book with descriptions of websites especially chosen to expand your knowledge of the subjects in this book in an entertaining and informative way.

At the end of this book you'll find a timeline, a glossary with some useful addresses, a map of castles in Europe, Japan, and the Middle East with a Gazetteers to explain them. you will also find an index.
BTH-1564. $13.46-D

Egyptian Kid Kit: In this Kid Kit Box you will find an Egyptian necklace to make, a black face-painting stick for outlining your eyes to look like an Egyptian, plus you also get to make your own exact replica of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Kid Kit includes: Usborne Beginners Egyptians Internet-Referenced book, Egyptian necklace to make (leather, beads & hardware included), gold pyramid to build (pattern & gold cardboard included), black Egyptian eye liner stick, and hieroglyphics chart (for writing in code using ancient Egyptian symbols). Cat. #BTH-1565.  $8.96-D

Knights (Usborne Discovery, Internet Linked) by Rachel Firth. This book provides a detailed (and sometimes gory) look at the medieval knights and how they lived, died, and eventually became obsolete. Like all Usborne books, this one is full of colorful illustrations which enhance the text. It also suggests plenty of Internet links to explore. 48 pages with index. For ages 8 and up.
 BTH-1566. $8.06-D

Mummies and Pyramids (Usborne Discovery Series, Internet Linked, by Sam Taplin. This is for those readers 8 years old and up who are curious about mummies and pyramids and their relationship to each other and the Egyptian religion. Learn how mummies were made and stored. Learn how the pyramids were built for the kings (and how the poor people were buried, in comparison.) Learn about the pyramid raiders, who worked in organized gangs to rob the ancient kings of their treasures. Find about mummy mania, Tutankhamen, and even animal mummies!

Modern scientists study mummies in a variety of ways -- CAT scans, with an endoscope, with chemical DNA studies, and more. But there are still many mummy mysteries scientists have not been able to solve -- why the mummy of a 14-year-old Egyptian girl had no legs and  who was buried in Tomb 55. And new discoveries continue to be made, so we won't know everything about mummies any time soon.

This book is supplemented by links to web sites that will help you explore the subjects that interest you event more. 48 pages. BTH-1575. $8.06-D
 

Illustrated World History Series. These are for those who are 11 and up, and focus on the everyday life of the world's oldest cultures. They are filled with colorful pictures, maps, and diagrams. Titles I stock are The Greeks (BTH-338); The Romans.  (BTH-337)12.95 each.

Greeks, Internet Linked by Susan Peach and Anne Millard. EDC, 2004. This tells the story of the Greek civilizations that dominated the world for centuries, from the Minoans to Alexander the Great. You will find information on the origins of the Olympic Games, Greek democracy, the beginnings of Western art and architecture, as well as on aspects of everyday life in Ancient Greece. This book will provide a clear historical out line for those who want to use it as the basis of a unit study. You can follow the provided Internet link to Usborne recommended sites which are updated frequently for even more information.  For ages 11 and up. 96 pages BTH-4110. $11.66-D

 

Medieval World, Internet Linked, by Jane Bingham. This lavishly illustrated book is crammed with information on the medieval world. Beginning with the Byzantine Empire, the rise of Islam, the Barbarian kingdoms,  and the return to Christianity, you will follow all the major people groups and events during the Middle Ages. The book takes you to the Arab world, the Viking world, Anglo-Saxon England, the empire of Charlemagne, the Kingdoms of the Celts,  the  Eastern Empire, Russia, Spain, North Africa, India, Southeast Asia, China, and even to the New World. Meet emperors, knights, noblemen, peasants, monks, Crusaders, Turks, Samurai, explorers, sailors, artists, criminals, Mongol invaders, kings and queens, and native North and South Americans. Visit castles, cathedrals, villages, mosques, pueblos, and other historic places. Every other page provides a list of important dates, and there is a more comprehensive time chart at the end of the book. If you want a world tour, in full color, of one of history's most interesting and exciting periods, this is the book to get.

This is an Internet-linked book with descriptions of websites especially chosen to expand your knowledge of the subjects in this book in an entertaining and informative way. For ages 8 and up. BTH-1570. $13.46


Usborne Starting Point History: These give answers to the first questions children have about history and are designed for those who are six and up. I carry the following titles:

Who Built the Pyramids?
Who Were the Roman
s?
Who Were the Vikings
?
What Were Castles Fo
r?

Usborne First History: These books each focus on a period of history as it would appear to a child living during that period. These are for children who are seven to nine. I carry Living in Roman Times and Living in Castle Times. 4.50* each.

Vikings by Elizabeth Janeway, a trade paper Landmark Book. The author draws on the old Norse sagas to tell the true stories of Eric the Red, his son Leif, and other daring Vikings who journeyed to North America a thousand years ago. For middle elementary readers and above. Cat #RH-8853. $4.49-D

The World of Ancient Greece Series: This series takes an in-depth look at the civilization of Ancient Greece. The detailed text and carefully-chosen artifacts pictured bring new perspectives to the everyday lives of the ancient Greeks, their culture and religion, and their world of trade and warfare. The illustrations used in this series are color photographs of ancient artifacts related to the text. Throughout the books you will find panels that consider the legacy of ancient Greece, details of words we use today that have their roots in ancient Greek, and quotes from original Greek sources.  Each book is 32 pages and has an index, and except for Religion & the Gods (which used the same space for a list of Greek deities and heroes), a timeline. Each book is $6.26-D.  Available titles are Religion and the Gods (Cat. #Watts-153835), Entertainment and the Arts (Cat.#Watts-153819),Trade and Warfare (Cat.#Watts-153843), and Everyday Life (Cat.#Watts-153827).

 

WWMedTn.jpg (13031 bytes)Worldwise Series: These are published by Franklin Watts and resemble the Usborne First History Series a little, but there are more titles related to this time period, they contain a glossary as well as an index, they have 39 pages rather than 24, and the layout and print styles are different. In this series, two print styles are utilized. The main text is in very large print and double-spaced. It is very easy on the eyes of young readers. The text that explains the main illustrations is smaller, but still double-spaced. Smaller detail pictures are explained in double-spaced italics. Like the Usborne series, these books are highly visual and colorful, but the overall effect is much less busy. Some books contain plastic overlays to change the effects of the illustrations or add details. These would be suitable for middle and upper elementary grades. Approximate size is 8 x8. Available titles are Ancient Greeks, Ancient Romans, Ancient Egyptians, Knights and Armor, Medieval Town, and Castles. 6.30-D each. Cat. #GrolWW. . Be sure and include titles you want as well.

Enrichment Resources

 

CCS Online: Classical Education with a Twist: You might want to look into these online courses in history, theology, Bible, and government that grow out of a comprehensive Christian world view. These would be for high school and college level home school students.

 

Ancient History Readers' Theater Grades 5-8 by Robert W. Smith. Teacher Created Resources, 2008. Let your students become more involved in the drama of history. Use these original, convenient, pull-out, reproducible scripts based on historic events and highlights to get away from the textbooks periodically and bring what they've been reading to life. Each of 12 scripts is accompanied by background information, extension activities (including literature connections), and discussion questions. Plays center on the following topics: Babylonian Empire; Egypt's King Hatshepsut; Esther, Queen of Persia; Socrates; Alexander the Great; Archimedes; The Library of Alexandria; Ancient China; Julius Caesar; Antony and Cleopatra; Pompeii; and Hypatia. BTH-4770. $13.49-D

 

Read-Aloud Plays: The Iliad, the Odyssey, the Aeneid Three Classics Adapted Into Engaging Plays Plus Background and Activities Just for Middle Schoolers by Gwen Bowers. Scholastic, 2007. Friendship, suffering, betrayal, adventure themes that motivate middle schoolers to read take center stage in three plays that capture the most widely read epics by Homer and Virgil. This resource has everything teachers need to introduce each classic story: a short play written for middle-school readers, background information, vocabulary, activities, and quizzes. Each play contains more than twenty speaking parts, giving all students an opportunity to participate. 80 pages. For grades 5 and up. BTH-4219. $11.69-D

 

 

 

King Arthur's Academy by Suzanna E. Henshon, Prufrock Press, 2007. This resource for gifted students in grades 3-5 will motivate even reluctant writers to enjoy narrative and descriptive writing as they become first-year students at the magical King Arthur's Academy. First they will write a letter asking to be admitted. Exercises will also encourage them to describe the Knight and Beast Department Store where they must buy their school clothes and swords, etc; explore the castle grounds; express how it feels to swing a sword; interview the Knights of the Round Table; design a sword, and much more. Each exercise is open-ended, so no answer key is required. Students will find it easy to work independently as they practice writing in a variety of genres; prose, poetry, letters, question and answer; proposals, and memoirs. Some exercises call for drawing. It is recommended that each student has his or her own book so that it will be intact as a keepsake of the unit, but the pages are also reproducible for classroom use. At the end of the book are a rubric for writing exercises and one for drawing exercises. The book follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards and benchmarks for grades 3-5 in language arts, but also meets the standards of many other states. 63 pages. BTH-3847. $10.56-D

 

Costumes for Coloring; Knights and Ladies by Marsha Bushko, illustrated by Jenny Williams. Grosset and Dunlap, 1996. Books in this series are on high quality paper which is suitable for use with crayons, felt-tipped pens, water paints, pencils, or pastels. These books are complex enough to meet the needs of older children, teens, and adults. The book not only shows how the knights and ladies of the Middle Ages dressed, it also provides an interesting commentary on the manners and customs of the time as they relate to dress. 32 pages. BTH-3279. $5.39-D

Design Your Own Coat of Arms by Rosemary Chorzempa. A Dover publication. Contains 27 text pages and several pages of patterns and designs, but no stencils. Resembles the average Dover coloring book in format and complexity Cat. #D-24993X. $3.15-D

Designs for Coloring: Ancient Egypt, by Ruth Heller.  Books in this series are on high quality paper which is suitable for use with crayons, felt-tipped pens, water paints, pencils, or pastels. These books are complex enough to meet the needs of older children, teens, and adults.The book is all pictures, no commentary. BTH-3275. $5.29-D

Dover Historical Coloring Books: These are quality books made of heavy white opaque paper. They contain first-rate artwork and informative text and captions. Teachers can copy the pages for classroom use. The books are 8½ x 11, saddle-wired, and 48 pages long, unless otherwise noted. Please click on images to enlarge them. We try to keep the following in stock:

The Middle Ages (BTH-3308. $3.69)

Knights and Armor (BTH-3309. $3.59)

King Arthur Coloring Book by Thomas Crawford. Illustrations by John Green. The exciting text which is adapted for young readers tell the exciting adventures of King Arthur and Sir Lancelot, the greatest knight at the round table. The adventures are accompanied by 33 realistic, finely detailed illustrations, including a double-page spread and six decorative initials. This reading / coloring experience should enhance any study of the Middle Ages. Limited reproduction rights included. 32 pages. BTH-4126. $3.56-D

Medieval Jousts and Tournaments (BTH-3310. $3.59)

Castles of the World (BTH-3311. $3.59)

The Medieval Castle (BTH-3315. $3.59)

Medieval Fashion (BTH-3316. $3.59)

Illuminated Alphabet (BTH-2312. $6.26-D)

Dover Cut and Assemble Models: . These are  printed in color on one side only, 9¼ by 12¼, saddlewired. 

Cut & Assemble a Medieval Castle: A Full-Color Model of Caernarvon Castle in Wales by A.G. Smith. Authentic full-color replica of Caernarvon Castle built in Wales (ca. 1285–1322) comes with complete instructions for cutting, folding and assembling parts. Includes historical text. BTH-2313. $8.06-D

Dover Easy-to-Make Models:

Castle, Designed for easy assembly with just scissors and glue. Printed in color on one side only, 9¼ by 12¼, 12 pages, only 4.45-D.

Egyptian Punch-out Mummy Case, 9¼ by 12¼, (3.56-D);

Cut and Make a Knight's Helmet, Only scissors and glue are needed to assemble this authentic, full-size, silver-and-gold replica of an armet, a type of closed-visor helmet worn in the late Middle Ages (c. 1450–1500). Ideal for school plays, costume parties, Halloween, more. Clear instructions, with diagrams, make assembly easy.9¼ by 12¼, BTH-2317. $5.39-D

Cut and Make a Knight in Armor, Handsome, authentic full-color reproduction of full suit of armor worn by King Henry V of England, ca. 1415. Helmet, decorated breast- and backplates; hand, thigh, leg and foot coverings; shield and sword, more. Diagrams, step-by-step instructions let hobbyists of all ages assemble this accurately detailed 13 1/2"-high model. BTH-2314. $5.39-D

Knights Activity Book, by Dover. This is the same size and format as the Dover coloring books, but is more appropriate for middle and upper elementary children who enjoy coloring, puzzles, mazes, codes, and other fun activities as they also learn about knights, their armor, how they were trained, their daily life, castles, and more. 30 pages.  Answers to puzzles are provided. BTH-3994. $3.59-D

Paper Dolls: These are from Dover, and are 9¼ by 12¼, saddlewired, and 32 pages. They are printed in color on one side only, unless noted. Related titles we try to keep in stock include these:

Knights in Armor: 2 dolls with 8 detailed, historically accurate suits of armor, including coats of mail worn by Norman knights at the time of William the Conqueror (1066), English knights of 1290 and 1416 and German knights (ca. 1345 and 1480). Also, swords, shields, banners, etc. Recreate battle dress, defensive armor of Middle Ages.(BTH-2321. $4.46-D)

Medieval Costumes Paper Dolls: This is the first volume in a new series for paper doll fans and costume enthusiasts traces the history of fashion. 2 dolls are accompanied by 16 accurately rendered costumes worn between 1200–1350 AD. Among them: tunics, chain-mail armor, and fur-trimmed capes for men, as well as gowns, embroidered tunics and soft under robes for women. BTH-2320. $4.46-D

Usborne Cut-Out Models. These require only glue, scissors, and a craft knife to build. Historical models are usually compatible with 00/H0 scale. Each model includes full-color buildings, people, and baseboard.  Viking Settlement (BTH-4832);  Roman Fort (BTH-4828); Castle (BTH-4833); Crusader Castle (BTH-4834); Egyptian Mummy (BTH-4837); Roman Amphitheatre (BTH-4836); Medieval Town (BTH-4829) and Medieval Port (BTH-4835; . 9.95 each. These are out of print now. Click links for availability, pricing, and details. 

 

 

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