Research > Homework Center > Ancient & classical cultures

Ancient & Classical Cultures

Megasites
Africa
Asia Minor/Anatolia
Aztecs
Caribbean
Celts
China
Early Man & Stone Age
Egyptians
Greeks
Hebrews/Holy Land
Incas
India

Islam/Muslims
Maoris
Mayans & Mesoamerica
Mediterranean
Mesopotamia
Mongolia
North American Prehistory
Persia
Romans
The Silk Road
South America
Vikings
Wonders of the World

Megasites

A Walk Through Time: http://physics.nist.gov/GenInt/Time/time.html

Ancient calendars, the earliest clocks, and the revolution of timekeeping.
Ancient Scripts and Languages: http://www.ancientscripts.com/

This site provides information on ancient languages, such as the language family and pronunciation, as well as the written characters of any ancient language you can imagine.
Collapse: Why Do Civilizations Fall?: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/

With hands-on activities, color images, and text, this site explores theories as to why civilizations end. Focuses on the Mayans, the ancient city of Copan, Mesopotamia and more.
HyperHistory: 3000 Years of World History: http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html

A clickable chart of people and events throughout human history. Take a look!
Images From History: http://www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/noframes.html

An archive of photos illustrating artifacts, cave and rock art, and architecture from various ancient cultures and periods.
Internet Ancient History Sourcebook: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook.html

Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Israel, Greece, Rome, Hellenistic World and more.
Museums of Ancient Inventions: http://www.smith.edu/hsc/museum/ancient_inventions/hsclist.htm

An illustrated archive of the significant human inventions from the ancient world.
Secrets of Lost Empires: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/

NOVA Online connects you with "the technology and human ingenuity of these civilizations by attempting to recreate these monuments -- using only the tools available to the ancients." Stonehenge, Inca, Obelisk, and the Colosseum.

Africa

African History: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/africa/history/index.htm

This site describes the various cultural changes that took place on the African continent from 6000 B.C and 1500 AD. Be sure to click on the underlined words in the text to link to even more information.
African Voices: http://www.mnh.si.edu/africanvoices/

Click on "History" at the bottom of the screen to learn about early human history in Africa, an ancient city in Mali, and about Muslim Africans, the Almoravids, who ruled Spain in the twelfth century.
Ancient Africa: http://www.mrdowling.com/609ancafr.html

Learn about traditional African history tellers, the Nok Culture, trade, and other cultures of Ancient Africa.
Ancient Horn of Africa: Axum: http://www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/um/umn.html

This site has photographs of ruins from the ancient Red Sea state of Axum. Click on the photos to see larger images.
Collapse-Mali & Songhai: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/mali.html

Why did the Mali and Songhai kingdoms collapse? Find out at this site.
Kingdom of Kush at Meroë (4th c. B.C. to 325 A.D.): http://www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/um/uml.html

This site has photographs and descriptions of ruins, sculpture, and pottery from the city of Meroë, a later center of the Kushite Kings. Click on the photos to see larger images.
Kingdom of Kush at Napata (circa 9th - 4th c. B.C.): http://www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/um/umj.html

This site has photographs and descriptions of ruins, sculpture, and pottery from the city of Napata during the early period of the Kingdom of Kush. Click on the photos to see larger images.
Mali-Interactive: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~anth/arch/mali-interactive/aboutproject/

Read about the excavation of one of the oldest cities in sub-Sahara Africa.
Mancala: http://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Mancala.htm

Learn about one of the most popular games of Africa, one that has been played as early as the fourteenth century B.C.
Mission to Mali: http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/mali/

Undertake a webquest to learn more about ancient Mali, and create a board game, too.
Sahara Trade: a Link Between Europe and Africa: http://library.thinkquest.org/13406/sh/

Learn about the different types of trade that took place across the Sahara between West Africa and Europe.

Asia Minor/Anatolia

Ancient Anatolia: http://www.country-studies.com/turkey/ancient-anatolia.html

A summary of the various peoples occupying ancient Anatolia, from Troy to the Seleucids.
Ancient Districts of Aegean Anatolia: http://www.ancientanatolia.com/sites/ancient_districts.htm

Click on the map names to read about these important areas in ancient Anatolia.
Catal Huyuk: http://www.focusmm.com/civcty/cathyk00.htm

A description of the Neolithic Anatolian city, Catal Huyuk, one of the earliest cities ever uncovered. Also read about the kind of activities that go on at an archeological site.
History of Anatolia: http://www.ualr.edu/mxsarimollao/turkiye/history_4.htm

A history of the many people inhabiting ancient Anatolia from the Bronze Age through early Christian times.
The Hittites: http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/HITTITES.HTM

A brief history of the Hittites and a description of their laws and religion.
The Hittites: http://lexicorient.com/e.o/hittites.htm

A brief history of the Hittites and description of their economy and culture.
Lydia: http://www.livius.org/lu-lz/lydia/lydia.html

A history of the Anatolian kingdom of Lydia from the thirteenth century to 133 BCE.
Mysteries of Catal Huyuk: http://www.smm.org/catal/top.php

Find out what the archeologists have found at the ancient city of Catal Huyuk, and take a virtual tour of the site.
Sardis: Ancient King's Legendary Gold: http://www.library.cornell.edu/colldev/mideast/sardis.htm

Learn about the capital of the Lydians and why the legendary King Croesus had the golden touch.

Aztecs

The Ancient Aztecs: http://library.thinkquest.org/27981/

This site explores Aztec culture, technology, religion, and a timeline of Aztec rulers.
Aztec Calendar Stone: http://www.crystalinks.com/aztecalendar.html

This site describes the different numbering systems found on the Aztec Calendar Stone and what the symbols on the stone mean.
The Aztec Empire: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/meso/cultures/aztec_empire.html

Information about the Aztec empire: where they came from and what their society was like.
Aztec Mythology: http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/mythology/aztec_culture.html&edu=mid

Read the stories behind the Aztec Gods Earth, Moon, Rain, Sun and others.
Aztec Religion: http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1994/3/94.03.03.x.html#b

This site gives an overview of Aztec religion as well as presenting retellings of three Aztec mythological stories.
The Aztecs: http://home.freeuk.com/elloughton13/aztecs.htm

This site has information about Aztec history, religion, archeological sites, and everyday life. This site is also available in Spanish.
The Aztecs: http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/nettsch/time/aztec.html

This site, from Nettlesworth Primary School, is great for younger students. It has information about important people and events, arts & crafts, daily life, the military, Tenochtitlan, and fun & games.

Caribbean

Arawak: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/southamerica/arawak.html

A short overview of the history, language, daily life and more, of the Arawak.
Carib: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/southamerica/carib.html

A very short article on the location, language, and daily life of these people.
The Caribs in Dominica: http://www.avirtualdominica.com/caribs.htm

Part of a larger site about Dominica, this page provides a history of the Carib people as well as information regarding their current existence.
Pre-Columbian Hispaniola: Arawak/Taino Indians: http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/100.html

A long article that discusses the lifestyle, housing and dress, food and agriculture, religion and myth, etc. of the Arawak Indians.

Celts

Ancient Celts Page: http://www.ares.u-net.com/celtindx.htm

Information about Celts from archaeologist and writer, Simon James.
The Celts: http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/celtic/eg_celtic_menu1.html

This site explores culture, clothing, social structure, music, animals and hunting, religion and burial, and arts and crafts.
The Celts: http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MA/CELTS.HTM

Celtic history, social organization, religion, and Celtic societies in Gaul, Britain and Ireland.
Encyclopaedia of the Celts: http://www.isle-of-skye.org.uk/celtic-encyclopaedia/celt_ind.htm

Encyclopaedia of people, events, and more about the Celts.
Internet Medieval Sourcebook: The Celtic World: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook1g.html

Celtic history, daily life, deities, culture and more.
The Scottish Celts: http://www.netmedia.co.uk/history/week-4/

A description of the culture and history of the Celts of Scotland.
The World of the Celts: http://www.gallica.co.uk/celts/contents.htm

A site that includes information on the clothing, houses, art, and other features of Celtic Britain.

China

Ancient China: http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCCHINA/ANCCHINA.HTM

Much information on early Chinese dynasties, Chinese poetry and philosophy. Click on "Contents" on the left side of the screen.
Ancient Tombs: http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/archae/2tommain.htm

What we've learned from excavating Chinese tombs of the Neolithic Period to the Han Dynasty
Bronze Age China: http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_pt2.htm

Learn about the Xia and Shang Dynasties and see photos of some objects from that period.
Chinese, the Great Wall of China: http://library.thinkquest.org/C004471/tep/en/cultures/chinese.html

How the Great Wall changed over the periods of its construction.
Chinese Writing 8000 Years Old: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6669569.stm

Pictorial symbols carved into cliff sides may indicate that Chinese characters were being written 8,000 years ago.
The Great Wall of China: http://www.mrdowling.com/613-greatwall.html

A brief history of the Great Wall.
The Great Wall of China From Space: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/radar/sircxsar/gwall.html

Here is what the Great Wall looks like from space. Click on the smaller image to get a bigger one.
History of China: http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/toc.html

Discusses the ancient dynasties, the Imperial Period, and on to modern Chinese history.
Late Prehistoric China: http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_pt1.htm

This site from the National Gallery of Art describes the beginning of civilization in China; look for photos of some objects from that period.
Math in Ancient China: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/science/chinamath.htm

A brief history of mathematics in China.
Secrets of the lost Chinese Empire: http://library.thinkquest.org/20443/g_living.html?tqskip1=1&tqtime=1110

Social structure, medicine, food and other characteristics of life in China.

Early Man & the Stone Age

Atlas of the Human Journey: https://www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/atlas.html

An interactive atlas of the spread of man across the earth produced by National Geographic. Click on the time bar to see the location of important sites of the period, then click on red dots for more information.
Cave Fossils Are Early Europeans: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6099422.stm

A report of new human fossil finds in Roumania dating to 30,000 years ago. According to the excavators, these fossils have features of both modern humans and Neanderthals.
The Cave of Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc: http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/

Visit the cave virtually and then explore the history and research connected to the cave.
Egypt Footprint: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6956902.stm

A report of the discovery of a footprint found in the western desert of Egypt, dating perhaps two million years ago.
Flints and Stones: Real Life in Prehistory: http://museums.ncl.ac.uk/flint/menu.html

See what hunter gatherers of the Stone Age found to eat and learn about the myths of Stone Age people.
Hominid Species Timeline: http://www.wsu.edu:8001/vwsu/gened/learn-modules/top_longfor/timeline/timeline.html

A timeline from the earliest hominids to modern humans. By clicking on the blue links below the timeline, you can read much more detail about each species.
Human Prehistory: An Exhibition: http://users.hol.gr/~dilos/prehis.htm

This site introduces key figures involved in the study of evolution, including Darwin, Charles Lyell, and T.H. Huxley and then discussed the Lucy, the earliest known human skeleton found in Africa. The site also presents the first human creation of cave art and how villages first formed.
The Iceman: http://www.archaeologiemuseum.it/f01_ice_uk.html

The South Tyrol Museum of Archeology provides information on this ice age hunter, his clothing and equipment. Click on the topics on the lower left hand side of the screen.
Mothers of Time: http://www.civilisations.ca/archeo/paleofig/pal01eng.html

In English or French, this site charts the chronology of the end of the ice age, and more.
A Science Odyssey: Human Evolution: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/evolution/

Try this activity to learn about human evolution including Lucy, fossils and more.
Stone Age Habitats: http://www.aerobiologicalengineering.com/wxk116/StoneAge/Habitats/

Learn how temperature and evolution changed the way people lived. Images and drawings support the text.
Stone Age Man Used Dentist Drill: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4882968.stm

Fossilized stone age teeth found in Pakistan show evidence of dental work with flint drills.

Egyptians Megasites

Ancient Egypt: http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/menu.html

At this site from the British Museum, learn about Egyptian life, geography, gods & goddesses, mummification, Pharoahs, pyramids, temples, timekeeping, trades and writing. Each section has a story to read, information to explore, and a challenge to complete.
Color Tour of Egypt: http://academic.memphis.edu/egypt/map.html

Take a color tour of ancient Egyptian sites and Egyptian artifacts. Choose your city destination along the Nile from a clickable map!
Egypt: http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/EGYPT/homepg.html

The Odyssey Online, by Emory University, includes crisp, clickable photos and clear information about burial, daily life, mythology, pharaohs, nobles, priests, scribes, farmers, slaves, and also includes maps and teacher resources. Click on the audio speakers to hear words pronounced.
Egyptian Gods: http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/egypt/index.htm

A list of Egyptian gods with links to descriptions and other symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Egypt Fun Guide: http://www.seaworld.org/fun%2Dzone/fun%2Dguides/egypt/index.htm

From Sea World, this site has an Egypt crossword puzzle, hieroglyphics, mummy maze, make your own cartouche and more.
Write Your Name in Hieroglyphs: http://www.upennmuseum.com/hieroglyphsreal.cgi

You can enter your name and have it translated into hieroglyphics. Then read more about hieroglyphs by clicking on Egyptian Hieroglyphs Illustrated!
Egypt in the Pharonic Era: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/History/Pharaohs/080200000000000001.htm

Information about the history and the arts of Egypt from the first dynasty until Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great.
Egyptian Kings: http://touregypt.net/Kings.htm

Brief biographies of Egyptian kings from 2920 BC to 565 AD.
Egyptian Project 1: http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/egypt/egyptmenu1.html

Learn about the history of Egypt, its kingdoms, religion, geography, social structure and daily life.
Egyptomania: http://www.clevelandart.org/kids/egypt/

This site for younger children includes quick and fun facts, a quiz, the book of the dead, ancient Egypt coloring templates, facts vs. fiction, and instructions how to make a pharaoh death mask.
Finding the Rosetta Stone: http://www.clevelandart.org/archive/pharaoh/glyphs.html

A description of the stone and what it says.
Life in Ancient Egypt: http://www.carnegiemnh.org/exhibits/egypt/

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Egypt exhibit explores daily life, customs, gods and religion, and more. Click on photographs to enlarge the picture and receive more information about the object.
Mark Millmore's Ancient Egypt: http://www.eyelid.co.uk/

Information about pyramids and temples, kings, queens, and pharoahs, hieroglyphics, and more.
Mysteries of the Nile: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/egypt/

This site from NOVA online explores old and new kingdoms of Egypt, the pyramids, and more.
Reeder's Egypt Page: http://www.egyptology.com/reeder/

Explore ancient tombs, learn the meanings of ancient symbols and see Egyptian paintings and photographs.
The Story of the Rosetta Stone: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/egypt/hieroglyphics/rosettastone.html

The story of when the Rosetta Stone was produced and how it was translated.
Theban Mapping Project: http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/

Visit and tour major monuments in Thebes and on the Nile then explore the tombs of ancient pharaohs. Or observe an excavation in progress. Clear and colorful graphics and photographs make a stop at this page a must!
Virtual Museum of Egyptian Art: http://www.touregypt.net/museum/

This site has photos of objects from all the important periods of Ancient Egyptian art.

Mummies

How to Make A Mummy: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/mummy/

This site walks you through the steps it takes to wrap and prepare a mummy for burial.
Mummies of Ancient Egypt: http://www.si.umich.edu/CHICO/mummy/

Explains what mummies are, how they are made, who were mummies, and about Egyptian afterlife. The site also explains the hieroglyphs alphabet, includes a glossary and timeline.

Pyramids

At the Tomb of Tutankhamen: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/egypt/

From National Geographic online, this site explores the tomb's original discovery in 1923.
The Pyramids: Design and Construction: http://www.touregypt.net/construction/

From the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, this site explores the theories behind how the pyramids were created.
Pyramids: The Inside Story: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pyramid/

NOVA Online's adventure into ancient pyramids has detailed graphics and easy to understand text. Because this PBS site is heavily used and has many graphics, the page loads slower than others do.

Greeks

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great: http://1stmuse.com/frames/

The life and times of Alexander the Great.

Hebrews/Holy Land

Incas

The Civilization of the Incas: http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/inca/eg_inca_menu1.html

Learn about the Inca Empire, the people, clothing, roads, weaving, family life, religion, crime and punishment and more.
Ice Mummies of the Inca: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/peru/

NOVA Online explores the lost world discovered on this expedition. High graphics may lead the site to load slowly. Text version is available.
Ice Treasures of the Inca: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/mummy/

Visit this site by National Geographic where the discovery of a well-preserved body in ice opens up a new door to the world of the ancient Inca.
Inca Civilization: http://www.crystalinks.com/incan.html

History, geography, Incan roads, music, religion and much more are covered here.
Incas: http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CIVAMRCA/INCAS.HTM

A brief introduction to the social organization, agriculture, language, and religion of the Incas.
Incas: http://coe.fgcu.edu/students/webb/meso/inca.htm

Learn about Inca religion, daily life, architecture, recreation, and food.
The Incas: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/inca.html

Find out about Inca fortifications, social organization, agriculture, and religion.
Tomb Find Reveals Pre-Incan City: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6172530.stm

What a new discovery of tombs and artifacts tells us about the Sican culture, a pre-Incan people.
Towers Point to Ancient Sun Cult: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6408231.stm

A string of thirteen towers, over 2,300 years old, were used to observe the position of the sun over the course of a year.

India

Ancient India: http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCINDIA/ANCINDIA.HTM

The history and religion of ancient India.
Ancient Indus Valley: http://www.harappa.com/har/har0.html

Learn about Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, two of the oldest urban centers in world history. Lots of photos accompany the description of these ancient Indus sites.
Indus Valley Civilization Daily Life 3000 to 1500 BCE: hhttp://india.mrdonn.org/indus.html

Find out what is known about the very early Indus civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
Aryan Civilization Daily Life 1500 to 500 BCE: http://india.mrdonn.org/aryan.html

Lots of information about everyday life: clothing, food, housing, toys, and more.
Age of Empires Daily Life 500 BCE to 647 CE: http://india.mrdonn.org/gupta.html

Information about everyday life during the Gupta Empires: housing, food, clothing, social customs, and more.
Internet Indian History Sourcebook: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/india/indiasbook.html

A complete history of India, from ancient times to the present.
A Timeline of Ancient India: http://members.aol.com/Donnclass/Indialife.html

Life in ancient India from 3000 BC through 700 AD: daily life, religion, even dress.

Islam/Muslims

Arab-Islamic History: http://www.al-bab.com/arab/history.htm

This site explains the birth of Islam, its expansion and spread to Europe and its role in the Crusades.
Internet Islamic History Sourcebook: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook1d.html#Pre-Islamic%20Arabia

Pre-Islamic Arab world, Muhammad, Islamic faith and theology, expansion and empire, Caliphate, Persians, Turks, Ottomans, interaction with the West during the Crusades, Islamic history maps, Western intrusion, Islamic world since 1945 and more.
Islamic World to 1600: http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/index2.html

Learn about the history of ancient Islam from Islamic beginnings to the rise of the Islamic Empire.
Muhammad, Messenger of God: http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/MUHAM.HTM

This site describes Mohammed's life and how he united the peoples of the Arabian peninsula as a prophet of Islam.
Pre-Islamic Arabic Culture: http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/PRE.HTM

Find out about early Arabia and the three pre-Islamic peoples that inhabited the peninsula: the Sabaeans, the Bedouin, and the Arabs that settled the oases and along major trade routes.

Maoris

The Journey to Aotearoa: http://maaori.com/people/maoriara.htm

Another explanation of the migration of the Maori to their homeland in New Zealand.
The Maori: http://history-nz.org/maori.html

A brief history of the Maoris in New Zealand and their origin as a Polynesian people. Also look at the links on the left hand side of the page for more information on Maori culture, games, and other subjects.
Maori Kites: http://www.art-newzealand.com/Issues1to40/kites.htm

Kites were a serious activity for the Maoris. Read about it here.
Maori Project: http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/maori/eg_maori_intro.html

Learn about these New Zealand-native people: food, art and music, health and life expectancy, and their society.

Mayans & Mesoamerica

Ancient Observatories: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ancientobs/chichen/index.html

Find out about the observatory at Chichén Itzá, the ancient Mayan city located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Features information and activities on seasons, alignments, petroglyphs, Mayan mythology, the Mayan calendar, and related topics. From the San Francisco Exploratorium.
Collapse--The Maya: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/mayans.html

Why did the Mayan culture collapse? Search for clues in this online activity.
Copan Honduras: http://www.misericordia.edu/users/davies/maya/copan.htm

Photos showing important areas of the Mayan ruins at Copan.
Mayans: http://library.thinkquest.org/11577/

Explore Mayan culture, social structure, art, and sciences on this site.
Maya Adventure: http://www.sci.mus.mn.us/sln/ma/

The history and culture of the Maya, from the Science Museum of Minnesota.
The Maya Environment: http://www.michielb.nl/maya/geographical.html

Altitude, rainfall, and temperature.
Maya Society: http://www.civilisations.ca/civil/maya/mmc12eng.html

Learn about Maya society from many different periods in time.
Mayan Kids: http://www.mayankids.com/

Read about the Mayan people, pyramids and beliefs, or play the Mayan game.
Mesoamerican Sites and Cultures: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/meso/mesotable.html

Information about the Aztec, Toltec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Zapotec and Olmec cultures and some of their archaeological sites.
Mesoweb: An Exploration of Mesoamerican Cultures: http://www.mesoweb.com/

Explore Mesoamerican cultures through a study of the people, their art and culture and more by following the links on this page.
Mundo Maya: http://www.mayadiscovery.com/

From Mundo Maya magazine, this site has articles about Mayan archaeology, history, nature, daily life, handicrafts and legends.
Mystery of the Maya: http://www.civilisations.ca/civil/maya/mmc01eng.html

The Mystery of the Maya page is packed full of interesting information about the Mayas: Maya calendars, astronomy, crop growing, sacrifices performed, and the different gods they believed in.
The Olmec: http://www.mesoweb.com/olmec/

A bit of background on the Olmec with links to further information on them and the colossal heads.
Peoples, Geography and Languages: http://www.civilisations.ca/civil/maya/mmc11eng.html

Learn what cultures and languages today originated from Maya civilization.

Mediterranean

Ancient Mediterranean megasites
Minoan Civilization
Eastern Mediterranean
Hebrews/Holy Land
Greeks
Romans
Egyptians

Ancient Mediterranean megasites

The Ancient Aegean: http://www.arthist.umn.edu/aict/html/ancient/artaeg.html

You can find photos of many art works and architectural sites of ancient Crete and the Cycladic Islands at this site.
Maps for Students: http://www.unc.edu/awmc/mapsforstudents.html

Maps of the ancient Aegean, the Latin world, the Byzantine world, Caesar's campaigns, etc.

Minoan Civilization

Ancient Crete: http://www.ancient-greece.org/map/ancient-crete.html

Follow instructions under the map to view sites for Minoan Crete; or click on links to the left of the map for other maps of the Mediterranean area in the Bronze Age.
Crete in Ancient Times: http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/worldhistory/cretehistory1.htm

Read here for information about the history, technology (link to Part 2), and religion and the arts (link to Part 3) of ancient Crete by clicking in the box titled "More of this Feature"
Knossos: http://www.dilos.com/location/13370

A description of the most famous Minoan site, the palace at Knossos. This site includes an artist's impression of the palace, as well as photographs of the actual site. Be sure to click on the drop down menu below the photograph to see other parts of the palace.
Minoan Civilization: http://www.dilos.com/location/13406

A history of the Minoan civilization from 2600 to 1100 B.C.E.

Eastern Mediterranean

Ancient Cyprus: http://www.country-studies.com/cyprus/ancient-period.html

A history of ancient Cyprus from 5800 B.C.E through the Roman period.
A Bequest Unearthed, Phoenicia: http://phoenicia.org/toc.html

The Phoenicians were instrumental in disseminating their form of writing which became our modern alphabet and in opening up various civilizations and cultures of the Mediterranean basin to each other.
Oldest Known Pet Cat?: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/04/0408_040408_oldestpetcat.html

Read about a burial site in ancient Cyprus that may be proof of the early companionship of cats and humans.
The Philistines: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/history/philistines.htm

Learn about these ancient people who connected Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Mesopotamia

The Assyrians: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/history/assyrians.htm

A history of the Assyrian Empire from 2300 B.C. to 600 B.C.
The Babylonian Calendar: http://www.livius.org/caa-can/calendar/calendar_babylonian.html

The workings of the Babylonian calendar.
Babylonians: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/oldworld/middle_east/babylonians.html

Learn about the agriculture, buildings and arts and crafts of the Babylonians.
Brief History of Assyrians: http://www.aina.org/aol/peter/brief.htm

Includes geography, language, religion, and a detailed history of Assyrians.
Iraq: Ancient Mesopotamia: http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_iraq.htm

Read about the succession of civilizations that developed in this "fertile crescent".
Map of Ancient Mesopotamia: http://oi.uchicago.edu/OI/PROJ/NIP/PUB93/NSC/NSCFIG1.html

Map of Ancient Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia: http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/menu.html

Information prepared by the British Museum about three ancient Mesopotamian civilizations: Assyria, Babylon, and Sumer.
Odyssey Online: Near East: http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/NEAREAST/homepg.html

Ancient Near Eastern daily life, people, mythology, death and burial, and more.
Tombs of the Assyrian Queens: http://www.aina.org/aol/nimrud/

Photos and descriptions of tombs of the city of Nimrod and the objects that have been excavated there.
Ziggurat: http://www.livius.org/za-zn/ziggurat/ziggurat.html

Find out about this most characteristic building of Mesopotamian culture.

Mongolia

From the Paleolithic to Gengis Khan: http://www.museum.upenn.edu/Mongolia/section2.shtml

A brief history of the Mongolian people.
Inner Mongolia Yields New Discoveries: http://english.china.com/zh_cn/culture_history/treasured_past/11020716/20040802/11812895.html

News about a recent excavation of a Neolithic site in Inner Mongolia.
Mongolian Art History: http://www.mongolart.mn/history_fine_art.html

Learn about the art of these nomadic people.
Mongols: http://mongols.mrdonn.org/dailylife.html

Mongol customs and history.

North American Prehistory

Big Game Hunting in North America: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/northamerica/linked/hunters.html

How the first humans affected the ecology of the North American continent.
Early Man in the Arctic: http://www.civilization.ca/archeo/paleoesq/pef01eng.html

Photos and text describing the earliest inhabitants of the Arctic. Carvings, tools, and photos of a reconstructed site are presented as part of an exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Early North American Cultures: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/northamerica/culture/index.html

Use the clickable map to see linked timelines for various areas in North America.
Meet Kennewick Man: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/first/kennewick.html

Learn how scientists and artists collaborated to produce a reproduction of Kennewick Man's appearance from excavated remains.
New Evidence Puts Man In North America 50,000 Years Ago: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041118104010.htm

New evidence on dating the arrival of first humans in North America.
North America's First People: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/programmes/tv/wildnewworld/ancestors.shtml

A summary of the primary theories on how people first arrived on the North American continent.
North American Economy: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/northamerica/before1500/economy/index.htm

How the ancient people of North America supported themselves.
North American Food: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/northamerica/before1500/food/index.htm

A description of the foods eaten by the native peoples of North America.
Polar Energy: http://whyfiles.org/061polar/anthro.html

More discussion of how and when humans first reached North America.

Persia

Timeline of Persian History: http://www.mage.com/TLbody.html

A description of significant events in Persian history from 8000 BC to through to the Islamic period and beyond.
Persia or Iran: A Brief History: http://www.art-arena.com/history.html

Learn about the history of Persia (present-day Iran) from 3500 B.C. to the end of the nineteenth century.
Ancient Persia: http://www.jmu.edu/orgs/persianclub/newpage/persia_art.htm

The history of ancient Persia from the Neolithic to the Sassanians.
The Parthian Empire: http://www.parthia.com/

Learn about history, geography, coins, art and culture in this empire that ruled from 247 B.C. to A.D. 228 in ancient Persia (Iran).
Ancient Persia: http://www.livius.org/persia.html

A collection of short articles about ancient Persian places, historical figures, and other topics.
Ancient Persia: http://www.ancientpersia.com/

Find out about Persian history, arts, geography, people and religion.

Romans

Romans megasites
Colosseum
Gladiators & games
Military
Slavery
Society

Romans megasites

Ancient Rome Project: http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/rome/eg_rome_menu1.html

Learn about the history of Rome, its army, rites of passage, religion, geography, social structure and daily life.
Antique Roman Dishes - Collection: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mjw/recipes/ethnic/historical/ant-rom-coll.html

Ancient Roman recipes.
Daily Roman Life: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/webresources/life/

Athletics, food, history, holidays, houses and baths, laws, maps, politics, writing, women.
The Forum Romanum: http://www.vroma.org/~forum/forum.html

Take a virtual tour of the Roman Forum, with descriptions and history of the major buildings.
Gods and Goddesses of Rome: http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/deities.html

Descriptions of Roman gods and goddesses with accompanying images.
Journey Back in Time to Ancient Rome!: http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/rome/

This site takes you on a webquest. Find out what the task is and what your role will be!
Maps of the Roman Empire: http://intranet.dalton.org/groups/rome/RMAPS.html

Links to various maps related to the Roman Empire. Pages may be slow to load because of the map graphics.
Odyssey Online: Rome: http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/ROME/homepg.html

Ancient Roman daily life, people, mythology, death and burial, and more.
Roma: History and Civilization of the Eternal City: http://www.mclink.it/n/citrag/roma/eng_home.htm

Find out about the era of the republic, the era of the empire, Roman culture (houses, clothes, food, games, and more), religion, history, legends, monuments, economy and political system.
The Romans: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans/

From the BBC education site, this page explains who the Romans were, what the empire and the republic were, and presents the emperors, senators, Roman leisure, education, and religion. Also includes maps.
Rome Project: http://intranet.dalton.org/groups/rome/

Created by the Dalton School in New York City, this site explores Roman politics, literature, philosophy, religion, drama, military and more.
Territorial Expansion of the Roman World: http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/firsteuro/roman.html

Text provides the background of the Roman expansion from early Roman rule through the late Roman Empire.

Colosseum

The Colosseum: Emblem of Rome: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/colosseum_01.shtml

This site provides a look at the construction and plans to build the Colosseum, the arena and the desire to build a spectacular experience.
The Colosseum: http://www.the-colosseum.net/idx-en.htm

This site presents the history of the Colosseum, detailed information about the games held there and its architecture.
The Colosseum: Building the Arena of Death: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/launch_ani_colosseum.shtml

BBC presents this video to illustrate the six key elements of its design that make it stand out as one of the world's most amazing architectural feats.

Gladiators & games

Gladiator: Dressed to Kill: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/launch_gms_gladiator.shtml

You become the gladiator. Select the clothes, the weapons and discover if your choices lead to victory or death.
Gladiator: Heroes of the Roman Amphitheater: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/gladiators_01.shtml

What were the rules and regulations of fighting, fighting styles and what was barrack life like? Find out here.
The Roman Gladiator: http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consortium/gladiators.html

This site focuses on the life of the gladiator. Find out who were gladiators, how they trained, their public perception, how they hunted animals and more.
Roman Gladiatoral Games: http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/gladiatr/index.htm

Discover the different types of gladiators, the origins and politics of the games, what animals were involved at this site.
Women Gladiators?: http://www.ludus.org.uk/r/essaywomen.html

While not common, there is some evidence that there were women as well as men gladiators. This site quotes some Latin writers about this subject.

Military

Armamentarivm: The Beginners' Guide to Roman Military Equipment: http://museums.ncl.ac.uk/archive/arma/welc/begin.htm

Frequently asked questions and a virtual visual tour of Roman military equipment.
Roman Battle Tactics: http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html

How the Romans fought battles.
Organization of the Roman Imperial Legion: http://www.unrv.com/military/legion.php

A detailed description of organization and ranking of the imperial Roman legions.
The Roman Navy: http://www.unrv.com/military/roman-navy.php

The development of Roman naval power and the role played by the navy in support of the Roman legions
The Structure of a Legion: http://www.livius.org/le-lh/legio/legions.htm

All the legions of the empire listed by period.

Slavery

Resisting Slavery in Ancient Rome: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/slavery_01.shtml

About 25% of the Roman people were slaves. What were their lives like? Were there rebellions? What was day to day life like? Find out here.
Slavery in Ancient Rome: http://www.dl.ket.org/latinlit/mores/slaves/index.htm

This site explains the origins of slavery in Ancient Rome and the difference between a house slave and a country slave.

Society

Roman Women: Following the Clues: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/roman_women_01.shtml

This site explains the role women had in Ancient Rome, from virtuous women to working women.
Social Pecking Order in the Roman World: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/social_structure_01.shtml

BBC presents a site to explain people's status in Ancient Rome, from citizen to non-citizen, influence, connections and wealth's role in status and the status symbols that illustrated station.
Women in Ancient Rome: http://www.womenintheancientworld.com/women_in_ancient_rome.htm

This site presents details about how women were treated and what roles they had during Ancient Roman times.

The Silk Road

The Buried Silk Road Cities of Khotan: http://www.athenapub.com/9khotan1.htm

The rediscovery of the Silk Road cities of Chinese Turkestan.
Cities and Architecture Along the Silk Road: http://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/cities/cities.html

Click on individual cities from the list on the left side of the screen and see photos of still-existing structures from the Silk Road period.
Cultures of the Silk Road: http://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/exhibit/timeline.html

A cultural time line for the peoples of the Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia, and China that were involved in the Silk Road trade. Click on the name of any culture and learn more.
Dunhuang Grottoes: http://www.index-china-travel.com/scenery-Dunhuan-t00.htm

A slide show of Buddhist grottoes at Dunhuang, the Chinese gateway to the Silk Road.
The Route of the Silk Road: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/silk-road/route.htm

A map of the Silk Road region and its routes.
The Silk Road: http://www.ess.uci.edu/~oliver/silk.html

A history of the Silk Road region. Be sure to click on the link at the top of the page to see photos of archeological sites as well as present day cities.
Silk Road Religion: http://gallery.sjsu.edu/silkroad/religion.htm

Buddhism along the Silk Road.
Silk Road Culture: http://gallery.sjsu.edu/silkroad/culture.htm

The multicultural exchanges made along the Silk Road .
The Takla Makan Mummies: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/chinamum/

Learn about the mummies that were preserved in the Central Asian desert, and what they tell us about the connections between East and West as far back as 1000 BC.
Traditional Cultures in Central Asia: http://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/culture/culture.html

Information about the pastoral people that lived along the Silk Road.
Travelers on the Silk Road: http://www.silk-road.com/artl/srtravelmain.shtml

Brief biographies of travelers, beginning in the tenth century B.C.E., who traveled the route that became the Silk Road.

South America

Chavin: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/chavin.html

A short article with a few images of artwork.
Chimu: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/chimu.html

A brief article on the history of this ancient tribe.
The Mapuche Nation (Araucanian): http://members.aol.com/mapulink3/mapulink-3i/map-nat.html

A lengthy article that discusses the social organization, religion, and more, of the Mapuche, also known as the Araucanos.
Moche: http://www.travelvantage.com/per_moch.html

A brief but useful overview of this Peruvian tribe.
Moche: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/moche.html

A brief overview of this tribe's history and a few images.
Nazca: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/nazca.html

A brief overview of this tribe's history and a few images.
South American Sites and Cultures: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/satable.html

Information about the Inca, Nazca, Aymara, Chimu, Nazca, Chavin, Yanomamo and other South American cultures and some of their archaeological sites.
Tupi: http://www.trainweb.org/panama/history.html#overview

A short history since 1501.
Yanomamo: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/southamerica/yonomamo.html

Read about their history, language and daily life.

Vikings

The Norse Storm: http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/viking/eg_viking_menu1.html

Learn about Viking geography, history, religion, clothes & jewelry, boats, food, social structure and more.
The Runic Journey: http://www.tarahill.com/runes/

"Runes are an alphabetic script used by the peoples of Northern Europe from the first century c.e. until well into the Middle Ages." Find out about this language's history, its meanings and more.
The Vikings: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vikings/

Who the vikings were, their famous ships, and how to write your name in runes.
The Vikings: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/

Daily life, Viking food, warfare, religion and much more.
The Vikings: http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/vikings.htm

This site presents famous Viking biographies, Viking life, Viking exploration, Viking ships and warfare, and Vikings of North America. From Gander Academy (elementary school) in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada.

Wonders of the World

Destination: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/9705/seven.wonders/

CNN presents a brief description of each of the seven ancient wonders.
Forgotten Wonders Clickable Map: http://www.wonderclub.com/ForgottenMap.html

Just click on the map locations or on the links below to see extraordinary places in the ancient world not included in The Seven Wonders.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: http://library.thinkquest.org/C0123829/Index2.html

Learn about the Seven Wonders of the World here! Click on the list at the left of the page.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Tour: http://unmuseum.mus.pa.us/wonders.htm

This site provides lots of information on each of the Seven Wonders--including what the ancients themselves thought of each of these structures. Just click on the link at the left side of the screen.
Treasures of the Sunken City: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sunken/

NOVA Online takes us off the coast of ancient Alexandria, Egypt and down under the Mediterranean Sea to discover the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the ancient wonders of the world. High graphics may lead this site to load slow. Text version is available.