Surveying ten nations that shaped and in some cases transformed the world, this accessible, lavishly illustrated book has chapters devoted to the empires of Egypt, Babylonia, Persia, Greece, Rome, and South Asia. Among the larger-than-life figures profiled here are Alexander the Great, who used military prowess to spread Greek culture throughout the Near East, and Emperor Qin of China, buried with an army of terra cotta warriors. The more than 200 color photographs provide a splendid panoramic view of these nations' most noteworthy accomplishments in art and architecture, while timelines and maps are included as well.