Ancient English History

In his first book since the best-selling Fermat's Enigma, Simon Singh offers the first sweeping history of encryption, tracing its evolution and revealing the dramatic effects codes have had on wars, nations, and individual lives. From Mary, Queen of Scots, trapped by her own code, to the Navajo Code Talkers who helped the Allies win World War II, to the incredible (and incredibly simple) logistical breakthrough that made internet commerce secure, The Code Book tells the story of the most powerful intellectual weapon ever known: secrecy.

The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. After its founding in 509 BCE, the Romans refused to allow a single leader to seize control of the state and grab absolute power. The Roman commitment to cooperative government and peaceful transfers of power was unmatched in the history of the ancient world. But by the year 133 BCE, the republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome now ruled.

Why did humans abandon hunting and gathering for sedentary communities dependent on livestock and cereal grains and governed by precursors of today's states? Most people believe that plant and animal domestication allowed humans, finally, to settle down and form agricultural villages, towns, and states, which made possible civilization, law, public order, and a presumably secure way of living. But archaeological and historical evidence challenges this narrative.

For over fifty years Egypt has known nothing but war and devastation at the hands of the Hyksos, a bloodthirsty barbarian people from the distant east who continue to advance, crushing armies in their wake. Times are desperate, but throughout the conflict, a brave resistance fights on under the great Taita, a slave who has risen far beyond his ranks. Piay, entrusted into Taita's care by his parents at the age of just five, has been trained to become a great spy, unmatched by any other.

Popular Lost Cities author David Hatcher Childress takes us into the amazing world of ancient technology, from computers in antiquity to the flying machines of the gods. Childress looks at the technology that was allegedly used in Atlantis and the theory that the Great Pyramid of Egypt was originally a gigantic power station. He examines tales of ancient flight and the technology that it involved; how the ancients used electricity; megalithic building techniques; the use of crystal lenses and the fire from the gods; and more.

In contrast to their Danish and Norwegian cousins, Swedish Vikings traveled east rather than west in search of riches, land, and power. The extensive river systems of Russia provided economic and military “superhighways” to the adventurers from the north who journeyed down them all the way to the Black Sea and Constantinople in search of fame and riches. In Captivating History’s History of Sweden, you will learn more about these Swedish adventurers along with other parts of Sweden’s fascinating history.

Two Captivating Journeys Through Australia’s Past — One Unforgettable Book Step into the heart of Australia’s rich history with this powerful two-in-one volume—featuring fascinating images that bring every story to life. From the timeless legends of the First Nations to the rise of modern Australia, this book offers a fascinating look at a land shaped by resilience, culture, and story. Whether you're a history lover or mythology enthusiast, you’ll uncover gripping tales and eye-opening truths that most people never learn. With vivid imagery and engaging storytelling, it’s more ...

The Chinese created an amazing society that grew from along the banks of the Yellow River to oceans and lands beyond. But first, these people had to fight off jealous tribes from all sides and move their entire towns due to terrible floods. Yet they worked hard and built a culture that still survives - and thrives - today. Let’s take a close look at some of the most notorious leaders, their culture, and what drove them to persevere through the thousands of years it took to build the China we know today.

Earth is 4.5 billion years old. In just a fraction of that time, one species among countless others has conquered it. Us. We are the most advanced and most destructive animals ever to have lived. What makes us brilliant? What makes us deadly? What makes us sapiens? In this bold and provocative audiobook, Yuval Noah Harari explores who we are, how we got here, and where we're going.

Are you interested in the history of one of the most isolated kingdoms on Earth? Then this audiobook is for you! When most people hear the phrase “ancient Hawaii”, it brings up a certain air of mystery and intrigue. Some might think of tattooed tribesmen sailing across the vast emptiness of the Pacific Ocean under the moonlight, dancing around campfires to connect with their gods, or living on the sides of volcanos. But is this an accurate depiction? Or is there more to the early people of Hawaii?

Peter Thornton doesn’t believe in God. Or rather, he doesn’t believe in one God. “All paths are valid,” he teaches his university students. One evening he ventures to the archaeology museum and touches an artifact recently discovered from ancient Babylon. At the touch he is transported three thousand years back in time to Old Testament Babylon. Somehow the people know him as Rim-Sin, sorcerer and high priest to the gods of Babylon. The moment he arrives he is accused of murder—a murder Rim-Sin committed—and he must run for his life. Against the backdrop of Nebuchadnezzar’s ...

This kaleidoscopic book covers almost 3,000 years of Arab history and shines a light on the footloose Arab peoples and tribes who conquered lands and disseminated their language and culture over vast distances. Tracing this process to the origins of the Arabic language, rather than the advent of Islam, Tim Mackintosh-Smith begins his narrative more than a thousand years before Muhammad and focuses on how Arabic, both spoken and written, has functioned as a vital source of shared cultural identity over the millennia.

Imagine unlocking the secrets of the universe by delving into the mind of the man who started it all. Thales of Miletus for Beginners: Understanding the Father of Western Philosophy takes you on a journey through time, straight to the origins of rational thought. This isn’t just another history book—it's your gateway to understanding the ideas that shaped the world. Curious about how one man laid the foundation for both philosophy and science? Discover the groundbreaking insights of Thales, the first philosopher to explain the world through reason rather than mythology. In this ...

The crucifixion and resurrection of Christ are central events in our salvation. Yet few Christians have a good grasp of the first-century historical and religious context in which the crucifixion took place, nor of its true significance for the people of that time - and hence for our time as well. Biblical scholar and attorney Dr. Jeannie Constantinou puts modern listeners in the center of the events of Christ's Passion, bringing the best of modern scholarship to bear while keeping her interpretation faithful in every particular to the Orthodox tradition.

Legends of Norse Mythology is your practical guide for navigating the Norse realms and revealing the origins of these mythical stories, ranging from the gripping narratives of revered gods to Viking sagas of the Scandinavian seafaring adventures with longships, to the timeless rituals of the Nordic people.

Discover the Mysteries of the Dark Goddess Are you curious about the Dark Goddess and her role in mythology and spirituality? Introduction to the Dark Goddesses is the perfect introduction for those looking to explore her transformative power and connect with the shadow side of the divine feminine. This accessible guide provides a broad overview of the Dark Goddesses from different cultures, including Hecate, Kali, Persephone, Lilith, and many more. Designed for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, it introduces the history, archetypes, and modern practices associated with these ...

Between the infamous Lindisfarne raid in 793 CE and the Norman conquest of 1066, the peoples we know now as the Vikings became one of the most far-ranging and influential civilizations in history. The Vikings are frequently portrayed as raiders, marauding across medieval Europe and Britain, but the culture and society of the medieval Nordic peoples was so much more diverse, multifaceted and influential than it is often depicted.

On Christmas morning in the year 800, Pope Leo III placed the crown of imperial Rome on the brow of a Germanic king named Karl - a gesture that enabled the man later hailed as Charlemagne to claim his empire and forever shape the destiny of Europe. Becoming Charlemagne tells the story of the international power struggle that led to this world-changing event, illuminating an era that has long been overshadowed by myth.

Dive into the captivating world of ancient spirituality with "Sethian Gnosticism: A Beginner's Guide." This illuminating book unlocks the secrets of one of history's most intriguing spiritual traditions, offering a profound journey into the mysteries of the divine and the self. Whether you're a seeker, a scholar, or simply curious, this guide is your gateway to understanding the depths of Gnostic wisdom. Discover the foundations of Sethian Gnosticism, from its mythological origins to its philosophical underpinnings. Explore the core teachings, rituals, and symbols that define this ancient ...

Mystery cults are one of the most intriguing areas of Greek and Roman religion. In the nocturnal mysteries at Eleusis, participants dramatically reenacted the story of Demeter's loss and recovery of her daughter Persephone; in the Bacchic cult, bands of women ran wild in the Greek countryside to honor Dionysus; in the mysteries of Mithras, men came to understand the nature of the universe and their place within it through frightening initiation ceremonies and astrological teachings.