What do paper, the wheelbarrow, and the concept of time have in common? They were all invented thousands of years ago by early civilizations. Many of the things we use today were invented by ancient peoples, and the conquests and collaborations of these civilizations shaped history to create the world we live in today. Engaging text and enlightening sidebars take readers through the rise and fall of ancient Rome, India, China, and more. By learning about the past, readers gain a fuller understanding of the present as well as information about how their choices will impact the future.