Past Worlds: The Times Atlas of Archaeology

by Chris Scarre

An archaeological reconstruction of the human story, using hundreds of maps, illustrations, photographs and reconstructions of ancient sites. As well as examining the well known classical civilisations, it looks at the obscure and mysterious, such as the pyramid temples of the Yucatan.

Genres: History, Reference, Nonfiction, World History, Archaeology, Historical, Art

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Kara]

I love that this book doesn't just cover King Tut's tomb and the remains of Pompeii and then call it a day. This book is truly global, covering all the places humans have lived pre-19th century, which means the book examines remains of human habitation absolutely everywhere except Antarctica and the planet's orbit. (Note to self - someday space stations will be the coolest archaeology sites ever.)

The book looks at the remains of the homes and graves of humans from the Arctic circle to South Africa, from the American Southwest to south east Australia, and every where in between. Nothing is too in depth, since so much is being covered, but its a fascinating encyclopedia of human history.

[Amanda]

I mostly read the Ancient Egyptian sections, and will probably be referencing it again next year. There appears to be an extensive section on Asia and the Pacific cultures.

[Belle Meade School]

930.1

[James]

This is a really interesting look at some past cultures and how people have lived at different times and places, made more accessible by the illustrations. A great one for parents to read with the kids. A useful reference for authors writing period fiction, as well.

[Melanie]

Fabulous book! Much more readable than his Human Past. Clear colour pics and photos.

[Theresa]

very diverse over view of archeology with large pages of maps and historical architecture and ideas

[Dennis]

I already knew this, but societies have come and gone before us, many more socialogically advanced.