Describes how the Romans put to use and expanded the scientific achievements of earlier civilizations.
Although the Romans made few discoveries of their own, they developed the ideas of other cultures to suit their needs. They used the arch to build strong aqueducts, bridges, and arenas. They altered the Greek calendar to create a calendar very similar to the one we use today. This knowledge has been passed down through the centuries and affects out lives today.
In addition to being packed with useful information about and insight into these ancient civilizations, each volume includes a helpful glossary and a final chapter that summarizes the peoples' achievements and discusses their legacy to modern science and technology. Harris details how the ancient Romans absorbed, redefined, and used the ideas and scientific information gathered from other cultures to develop new techniques and materials to improve their own lives. Woods offers a fascinating look at the ancient Egyptians' accomplishments in architecture, astronomy, mathematics, medicine (including a brief discussion of mummification), and science. What sets this series apart, however, is its format that includes clear, easy-to-read text; simple yet effective topic headings; excellent-quality, full-color photographs and reproductions; and Internet sites. Young people will enjoy these books in their own right but will also find a wealth of information for classroom reports and projects.