A Short History of the Ancient World examines the emergence of urban civilizations on the continents of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Tracing developments from prehistoric times through the end of antiquity, the book investigates the unique social, cultural, religious, economic, and political characteristics of each civilization. Employing a social historical approach, Rauh argues that the ancient world encompassed more than simply Greece and Rome, and that urban populations across Eurasia and northern Africa were linked by an ancient world system. He explores the interconnectivity between societies in the Roman Mediterranean, East Africa, India, and China as they attained urban development, material prosperity, and cultural achievement. This beautifully designed full-color book includes an impressive range of images, as well as chronologies, timelines, overviews of dynasties, and chapter reviews.