Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World

Philip Matyszak

A chronicle of forty forgotten ancient civilizations which highlights the important contributions that each has made to modern society, now in paperback.

The ancient world of the Mediterranean and the Near East saw the birth and collapse of great civilizations. While several of these are well known, many have been unjustly forgotten. History is overflowing with different cultures that have all evolved over time, sometimes dissolving or reforming, though ultimately shaping the way we continue to live. But for every culture that has been remembered, how many have been forgotten?

This comprehensive guide explores those civilizations that have faded from the pages of textbooks but played a significant role in the development of modern society. Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World offers an alternative history focusing on the names we aren’t familiar with, from the Hurrians to the Hephthalites and everyone in between, providing a unique overview of humanity’s history from approximately 3000 BC – ­550 AD. Specially drawn maps, artifacts, and artworks help to tell the stories of forty lost peoples, exposing a diversity of culture, influence, and achievement.

Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World is an immersive, thought-provoking, and entertaining book for anyone interested in ancient history.

Reviews

Rich scholarship highlights this reader-­friendly survey of the ancient past… Just the thing for initiates into the early history of Eurasia and North Africa.

— Kirkus Reviews

Contributors

Philip Matyszak

Author

Philip Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St John’s College, Oxford. He is the author of many popular books on classical civilization and the ancient world, including Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World, Rome Before Rome: The Legends that Shaped the Romans, Lost Cities of the Ancient World, as well as The Greek and Roman Myths: A Guide to the Classical Stories.