Discusses the rise and fall of the great empires of Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon and other exciting events of the period 1500 BC to 500 BC.

Lords of the Sea revises our understanding of the epic political, economic, and cultural transformations of Japan’s late medieval period (ca. 1300–1600) by shifting the conventional land-based analytical framework to one centered on the perspectives of seafarers who, though usually dismissed as "pirates," thought of themselves as sea lords. Over the course of these centuries, Japan’s sea lords became maritime magnates who wielded increasing amounts of political and economic authority by developing autonomous maritime domains that operated outside the auspices of state authority. They played key roles in the operation of networks linking Japan to the rest of the world, and their protection businesses, shipping organizations, and sea tenure practices spread their influence across the waves to the continent, shaping commercial and diplomatic relations with Korea and China. Japan's land-based authorities during this time not only came to accept the autonomy of "pirates" but also competed to sponsor sea-lord bands who could administer littoral estates, fight sea battles, protect shipping, and carry trade. In turn, prominent sea-lord families expanded their dominion by shifting their locus of service among several patrons and by appropriating land-based rhetorics of lordship, which forced authorities to recognize them as legitimate lords over sea-based domains. By the end of the late medieval period, the ambitions, tactics, and technologies of sea-lord mercenary bands proved integral to the naval dimensions of Japan’s sixteenth-century military revolution. Sea lords translated their late medieval autonomy into positions of influence in early modern Japan and helped make control of the seas part of the ideological foundations of the state.

Saint Kitts, also known as Saint Christopher, is a Caribbean island nation located in the Lesser Antilles. It is divided into two administrative regions, with the larger island of Saint Kitts in the north and the smaller island of Nevis in the south. Saint Kitts has a rich history and culture, having been first settled by indigenous tribes before being colonized by the British in the 17th century. It was an important hub for sugar production and slave trade before gaining independence in 1983. Today, Saint Kitts attracts tourists with its stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and luxury resorts. The island is home to a variety of stunning beaches, rainforests, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors can explore historic sites such as Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic capital city of Basseterre. The island also hosts popular festivals like the St. Kitts Music Festival and the annual Carnival celebration.

A major reassessment of the vikings and their legacy The Vikings maintain their grip on our imagination, but their image is too often distorted by myth. It is true that they pillaged, looted, and enslaved. But they also settled peacefully and traveled far from their homelands in swift and sturdy ships to explore. The Age of the Vikings tells the full story of this exciting period in history. Drawing on a wealth of written, visual, and archaeological evidence, Anders Winroth captures the innovation and pure daring of the Vikings without glossing over their destructive heritage. He not only explains the Viking attacks, but also looks at Viking endeavors in commerce, politics, discovery, and colonization, and reveals how Viking arts, literature, and religious thought evolved in ways unequaled in the rest of Europe. The Age of the Vikings sheds new light on the complex society, culture, and legacy of these legendary seafarers.