Ancient History
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Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO -- School Library Journal, 1/17/2008
Ancient History (Series). 6 DVDs. 30 min. ea. Prod. by Centre Communications. Dist. by Ambrose Media. 2007. $149.95 ser., $49.95 ea. Includes: America’s Prehistoric Civilizations: The Mound Builders; Ancient Britain: Stonehenge to Celtic Iron Age Hill Forts; Ancient Pueblo People: The Anasazi; Greek Accomplishments; The Greek City-State and Democracy; The Incas.
Gr 7 Up–Hosted by History Channel personality Zay Harding, this series offers an interpretation of ancient societies that emphasizes their complex social and economic structures and cultural achievements rather than the more widely accepted militaristic interpretations that were advanced by the early archaeologists and anthropologists who viewed the ancient world through the lenses of the wars that their own societies were experiencing. The three titles on the ancient Americas share a similar format that traces the roots, development, zenith and achievements, and decline of each society. Ancient Britain discusses how the ancestors of the modern British people, thriving in isolation from the European continent, created Stonehenge and other prehistoric structures in a unique culture that was the forerunner of the society that would give the world the King Arthur myths and the British contributions to western civilization. The two titles on ancient Greece trace the development of the city-states; the importance of Athens as the center of Greek culture; and the lasting legacy of Greek architecture, art, theater, literature, and science. The entire series has the same male narration, supplemented by comments and analysis from historians, anthropologists, and other experts. The visuals feature beautiful footage of the remaining sites from each culture and the artifacts that it left behind. Live-action footage is supplemented by maps, drawings, and illustrations. This series’ emphasis on each society’s development and achievements will help students gain a better understanding of the sophistication of these ancient cultures, making it a very good choice for middle- and high-school library collections.
