This encyclopaedia traces the extraordinary history of the Ancient World, from the first farmers, and the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome to the eventual decline and fall of the Roman Empire. It covers all aspects of life in the Ancient World - from building the pyramids to a day at the Roman Games. There are photographs of glowing treasures in gold, silver and precious stones, 3000-year-old wall paintings with vivid colours, and blackened, shrivelled mummies, combined with reconstructions and cutaways of architecture, to recreate the atmosphere of the time. Internet links are given to a selection of recommended Web sites, containing additional information for school projects and homework. Many of the Web sites include sound, animation or video clips, which bring the subject to life.