The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Roman Empire

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Roman Empire
Author: Eric Nelson
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2002
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780028641515

You’re no idiot, of course. The battle scenes in Gladiator had you on the edge of your seat and wondering where you could find more information on the rise and fall of ancient Rome. But so far, your search has left you feeling like a blundering barbarian. Pick yourself up off the coliseum floor! Consult The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Roman Empire—a fun-to-read introduction to the fascinating history, people, and culture of ancient Rome. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: --The history of the Roman Empire’s rise and fall. --An idiot-proof introduction to the great epic literature of the Roman Republic. --A survey of the Romans in arts and popular culture. --Fascinating details of some of history’s most nefarious emperors, including Nero, Caligula, and Commodus.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Middle Ages

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Middle Ages
Author: Timothy C. Hall M.A.
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 324
Release: 2009-02-03
Genre: History
ISBN: 1440698740

Shed some light on one of history’s darkest periods. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Middle Ages gives readers the beginning, middle, and end of the era, starting with the fall of the Roman Empire in the year 550 and ending with the Renaissance in 1500—and covers some uncomfortable similarities between the so-called “Dark Ages” and today’s “modern world.” - A fascinating, fact-filled book that delivers more than a thousand years of history in easy-to-understand chapters. - Many AP European History students are urged to read an overview of medieval Europe to aid in their understanding of modern Europe, and a number of high schools have adopted elective courses in medieval history. - Complete with a timeline, a who’s who, and guides to further reading and the Middle Ages in film.

The Romans For Dummies

The Romans For Dummies
Author: Guy de la Bedoyere
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 475
Release: 2011-02-18
Genre: History
ISBN: 1119997887

"A must for anyone interested in the Roman Empire and its impact on world history." —Tony Robinson, star of Blackadder and Time Team This entertaining and informative guide is the perfect introduction to the amazing world of ancient Rome and its emperors, epic wars, awesome architecture, heroes, and villains. With a complete rundown of Roman history alongside fascinating insights into the lives of everyday Romans, you'll discover the amazing people and events involved in the rise and fall of one of the greatest of all ancient civilizations and how its influence is felt around the world today. If you've tuned into any of several TV shows focused on Rome and want to learn more about this fascinating part of history, The Romans For Dummies is the book for you. Schoolteachers and lecturers looking for light-hearted inspiration for lessons will also benefit from this riotous Roman adventure chronicling the rise and fall of the Empire. The Romans For Dummies is an accessible guide written in plain English giving you the fascinating facts of this ancient civilization. You'll learn about the following (and more): How Roman society was divided into classes The assemblies that ruled Rome Why villas were important to the Romans Details about the Roman army, including a Roman soldier's equipment The wonder of Roman architecture, cities, roads, aqueducts, and sewers Everything you ever wanted to know about gladiators and then some The importance of Roman temples, shrines, and the gods How Rome became a republic, an empire, and then collapsed Additionally, you'll learn about turning points in Roman history, (mostly) good and (some) bad Romans, Rome’s greatest enemies, and great places to visit you won’t want to miss on your next Roman holiday. Grab a copy of The Romans For Dummies to discover this and so much more. Guy de la Bédoyère is a historian, archaeologist, and Roman expert, he is well known for his numerous books and appearances on TV, especially Channel 4's Time Team.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter
Author: Tere Stouffer
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2007
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 9781592575992

You're no idiot. You know the wildly popular Harry Potter series has captivated readers of all ages from the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stoneon. But did you recognize all the subtle references Rowling uses in her characters' names or in the magical creatures we encounter and places we explore in Harry's wonderful world of wizardry? The truth is, the world of Harry Potter is incredibly textured and complex and not only has factual roots in history, mythology, science, and folklore, but also draws on all genres of literature, from C. S. Lewis to the Bible. You'll learn this and much more in the fun facts and tantalizing trivia provided in this fabulous new addition to the Complete Idiot's Guide series! This is not a retelling of Rowling's stories, nor is it intended to be a cheat sheet to the novels, a la the Cliffs Notes series. Instead, it is an entertaining and easily referenced presentation of insider information to the world Rowling has created in her spellbinding series of novels.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to European History, 2nd Edition

The Complete Idiot's Guide to European History, 2nd Edition
Author: Nathan Barber
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 602
Release: 2011-10-04
Genre: History
ISBN: 1101558563

• Fascinating, fact-filled writing that delivers hundreds of years in the life of the European continent • Terrific supplementary reading for AP History students

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Crusades

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Crusades
Author: Melissa Snell
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2003-02-05
Genre: History
ISBN: 0786548312

You're no idiot, of course. You know the Crusades were a war between Christian and Muslims for control of the Holy Land. However, these bloody conflicts raged over centuries, under changing circumstances, making the whole story difficult to follow. You don't have to don armour and cross deserts to relive the Crusades! 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Crusades' shows you why these wars began, why they continued for so long, and how their impact on the world still resonates. This 'Complete Idiot's Guide' gives you: -An introduction to the Dark Ages and the Renaissance, and why Pope Urban II would grant absolution to anyone who reclaimed the Holy Land for Christianity.-The origins of such Holy Orders as the Knights Templar, the Hospitallers, and the Teutonic Knights and the roles they played during the Crusades.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to World History, 2nd Edition

The Complete Idiot's Guide to World History, 2nd Edition
Author: Timothy C. Hall, M.A.
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 401
Release: 2012-01-03
Genre: History
ISBN: 1101556188

Puts world events in a context that is relevant for today's students and casual readers Updated to include the significant events from the past several years

Catholicism For Dummies

Catholicism For Dummies
Author: Rev. John Trigilio, Jr.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 463
Release: 2011-03-10
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1118053788

There are more than one billion Catholics in the world, and each one has a similar set of basic beliefs and practices that he or she follows. Some of the teachings of Catholicism are thousands of years old, while others are more recent. So what is the Catholic culture like and what do they believe? Catholicism For Dummies answers these and many other questions. Whether you’re a Catholic or not, you may be totally clueless or just unaware of some aspects of Catholic traditions, history, doctrine, worship, devotion, or culture. No sweat. Regardless of whether you’re engaged, married, related to a Catholic, or just curious about what Catholics really do believe, this book is for you. Catholicism For Dummies is not a catechism or religious textbook, but a casual, down-to-earth introduction for non-Catholics and reintroduction for Catholics. It gives commonsense explanations so that the next time you’re invited to a Catholic wedding, Baptism, funeral, Confirmation, or First Communion, you won’t be totally confused. You’ll also discover other important topics that can help you better understand the Catholic culture—from morality and devotions to worship and liturgy. This book will familiarize you with Catholicism by showing you: What it means to be a Catholic: traditions, prayers, beliefs, and holidays Who is who in the Catholic hierarchy How Catholics worship What the Seven Sacraments and Ten Commandments are The book regarded as the holiest to Catholics: The Bible The Church’s stand on some sticky issues Catholicism For Dummies presents a rich tapestry and history of the Catholic faith—from devotions to doctrines. This intelligent and faithful look at Catholicism will open your eyes to this religion and answer many of the questions you may have about it.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology
Author: Kevin Osborn
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 428
Release: 1998
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9780028623856

An introduction to Greek and Roman mythology provides explanations of all the gods and their roles, origins of the myths and theories on who wrote them, and the function of myths in society