
The Penguin History of the World
by J. M. Roberts
What's it about?
This historical text traces the evolution of humanity from its earliest hominin ancestors across continents to the development of civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and beyond. It explores the rise and fall of empires, including those in Greece and Rome, and examines the spread of major religions and cultural innovations. The narrative continues through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, detailing the formation of European states and their interactions with the wider world. Finally, it addresses the early modern period, encompassing the Age of Exploration, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the beginnings of global interconnectedness, laying the groundwork for the modern era.
About the author
J. M. Roberts is a renowned historian specializing in chronicles history. Their work has influenced generations of scholars and readers.
Chapter 1
Summary of Chapter 1: The Foundations
Chapter 1: The Foundations explores the deep pre-human past that set the stage for human history, emphasizing the vast timescales and evolutionary processes that shaped humanity's emergence.