The ancient world, dating from the first written records around 5,000 years ago to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, is the backbone of modern civilization. Ancient World in your Pocket records the key cultural, political, and social events of this fascinating era. From the first Mesopotamian villages, the myths and legends of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and the dynasties of China to the development of the societies of Africa, Australia and the Americas, you will be astounded by what history and archeology have to reveal about the dawning of our world. The gripping narratives, surprising facts, charismatic personalities, and momentous events of the past contained in this pocket-sized reference book bring over 3,000 essential facts from the world of antiquity to your fingertips.