Iron Age to Dark Age: 1200bc to Ad 1000.

by Reader's Digest Association

The empires of the Persians, Greeks and Romans called for practical civilising devices, and their innovative people obliged. Pythagorus invented the abacus, which greatly aided the administrators, who were also helped in this period by the appearance of the pen and a version of shorthand. Inspired by the presses used for extracting grape juice and olive oil, Archimedes developed a revolutionary water-lifting device that became known as Archimedes' Screw. The first aqueducts were built, essential for irrigation and supplying the growing cities with fresh water. Also in this period the first compass was made - from bronze - and the first hospitals were devised.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2011

About the author

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global media and direct marketing company based in Chappaqua, New York, best known for its flagship publication founded in 1922, Reader's Digest. The company's headquarters are in New York City, where it moved from Pleasantville, New York.

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit boring at times but still managed to finish it.