Examines the many reasons and motivations for the destruction of books throughout history, citing specific acts from the smashing of ancient Sumerian tablets to the looting of libraries in post-war Iraq.

Encyclopedia of the Ancient World is a colorful and lively examination of some of the most important civilizations that have shaped our world. Each entry concentrates on a particular civilization, or series of civilizations, and combines its history with an explanation of who the people were and how they lived. An examination of respective belief systems and myths is also included. Reflecting the latest developments in archaeology and bio-geography, LEncyclopedia of the Ancient World explains how the ancient civilizations developed, and how they came to dominate their neighbors, how they evolved, and why they eventually declined or died out. Encyclopedia of the Ancient World also features 400 full-color and black-and-white photographs, as well as specially commissioned diagrams and reconstructions, that help to illuminate life as it was lived many centuries ago. The book concludes with an extensive time-line that places the civilizations in an historic context; a bibliography of suggested further reading; a glossary of useful terms; and a comprehensive index.