The Art and Civilization series helps children understand the past through paintings, murals, sculpture, architecture, and everyday objects -- much of it originally designed for placating the gods, bringing a successful harvest, observing traditions and rites, or adding to an individual's social standing. Each book is divided into thematic chapters such as how people lived, worked, socialized, fought wars, worshipped, and made new discoveries and conquests.-- Every chapter opens with a great work of art spreading across two pages-- Magnificent reproductions of art and architecture leap off the page and spark the imagination-- Contextualizes art and makes it understandable-- Concise text clearly explains all key points and concepts-- Entices children to read with easy-to-understand, small blocks of text.