6+ Favorite Books on Ancient Civilizations (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on ancient civilizations (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Desire of The Everlasting Hills by Thomas Cahill
$11.19

In Desire of The Everlasting Hills, Thomas Cahill dives into the life of Jesus Christ, painting a vivid picture of his world and the people around him. I enjoyed how Cahill brings to life not just Jesus' teachings but also the cultural and political struggles of the time, especially for the Jews under Roman rule. His portrayal of Jesus as a relatable figure, along with a fresh look at Mary and Paul, was a highlight. While Cahill's storytelling is engaging, I found some historical liberties a bit much. Overall, it’s a captivating read that deepens our understanding of a pivotal figure in history.
Pros:
Well-written and interesting narrative
In-depth exploration of familiar topics
Engaging portrayal of Jesus and his context
Cons:
Not a professional historian, leading to some questionable facts
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10/09/2025 12:01 pm GMT
Gift of The Jews by Thomas Cahill
$10.99

In The Gifts of the Jews, Thomas Cahill takes us on a journey to understand how the ancient Jewish perspective transformed Western civilization. He explains how the shift from viewing life as a cycle to recognizing individual destinies helped shape ideas like the Declaration of Independence and our hope for progress. Cahill highlights key Biblical figures and emphasizes the importance of valuing the past while looking to the future. I appreciate his engaging writing style and the depth he brings to familiar subjects, though sometimes his non-historian approach leads to a few overreaches. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read!
Pros:
Cahill's writing is well-crafted and engaging.
The book provides in-depth coverage of historical topics.
It explores the significant shift in the conception of time and individualism.
Cons:
The author is not a professional historian, leading to some questionable interpretations of facts.
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10/09/2025 12:01 pm GMT
How The Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill
$5.00

In How The Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill explores how Ireland, often overlooked by history, played a crucial role in preserving Western civilization after the fall of the Roman Empire. He highlights the significance of Ireland’s conversion to Christianity and its impact on classical culture. I appreciated Cahill's engaging writing style and his ability to dig deeper into topics many of us learned only superficially in school. However, while his narrative is compelling, I felt he sometimes stretched the facts a bit. Overall, it's an enlightening read that underscores the resilience of culture and civilization.
Pros:
Engaging writing style
In-depth exploration of familiar topics
Highlights the role of Christianity in preserving culture
Cons:
Author is not a professional historian, leading to some questionable facts.
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10/09/2025 12:02 pm GMT
Sailing The Wine Dark Sea by Thomas Cahill
$13.27

In Sailing The Wine Dark Sea, Thomas Cahill dives into the legacy of ancient Greece, exploring how its culture shaped Western society. He takes us through the highs of Greek achievements in art and philosophy while also addressing some of the darker aspects, like militarism and the marginalization of women. I appreciated how Cahill makes complex ideas accessible, going beyond what most of us learned in school. While he's not a professional historian and occasionally stretches the facts a bit, the book remains engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, it’s a fascinating read that sheds light on Greece's lasting impact.
Pros:
Well-written and interesting narrative
In-depth exploration of familiar topics
Highlights both achievements and shortcomings of Greek culture
Cons:
Not a professional historian, which may lead to some exaggerated facts.
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10/09/2025 05:01 pm GMT
The Travels by Marco Polo
$16.12

The Travels of Marco Polo takes us on an adventurous journey through Asia in the late 13th century, detailing Polo's encounters, especially with Kublai Khan. Written by Rustichello da Pisa while they were both imprisoned, the book captures the wonder of the East and the value of perseverance and cultural exchange. I found it genuinely enjoyable—it's like the original travelogue, filled with humor and remarkable tales. However, being a product of the Middle Ages, it can be a bit of a slog at times, and you’ll need to keep a critical eye on some of the more extravagant claims. Overall, it’s a fun read that transports you to another time and place.
Pros:
The book is an engaging primary source that is enjoyable to read.
Marco Polo's humor and extensive travels make for an entertaining narrative.
It effectively transports readers to a different time and place.
Cons:
The medieval writing style requires effort and skepticism to fully appreciate.
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10/09/2025 03:02 pm GMT
Genghis Khan by Jack Weatherford
$23.95

In Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, Jack Weatherford explores Genghis Khan's life and his lasting impact on history. I found his insights about the Mongol Empire's role in shaping the European Age of Discovery particularly fascinating. Weatherford paints a vivid picture of Genghis Khan's rise to power, emphasizing his learned approach to warfare rather than an innate genius. The book is solid, easy to read, and genuinely engaging. Honestly, I couldn't find anything I disliked about it—it's just a great read for anyone interested in history.
Pros:
Well-researched and informative history.
Accessible and readable writing style.
Provides a fresh perspective on Genghis Khan's military strategies.
Cons:
Nothing - great book.
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10/09/2025 12:01 pm GMT
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
$18.49

In Mythology by Edith Hamilton, the book brings together a rich collection of Greek, Roman, and Norse myths, recounting tales of gods, heroes, and epic adventures. I found it fascinating how Hamilton explores core themes like fate, love, and the inevitability of war, while also dishing out life lessons that still resonate today. It’s like a treasure trove for anyone curious about ancient stories and their impact on modern culture. Honestly, I can’t think of a single downside—it's just a fantastic read that sheds light on so much of our shared heritage.
Pros:
Comprehensive coverage of Greek, Roman, and Norse myths
Offers valuable life lessons applicable to modern situations
Enhances understanding of culture and human nature
Cons:
Nothing - great read.
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10/09/2025 12:02 pm GMT
The Campaigns of Alexander by Arrian
$24.46

In The Campaigns of Alexander, Arrian, a Greek historian, recounts the incredible military exploits of Alexander the Great, spanning from Greece to India. I found the book engaging, especially since it’s a primary source that dives into themes like ambition, bravery, and the corrupting nature of power. Arrian’s straightforward writing style makes the historical details accessible, though I did notice some sections could use a modern editor’s touch to tighten things up. Overall, it’s a fascinating read that offers valuable insights into Alexander's life, even if a few more maps and images would have been helpful.
Pros:
Well-written and approachable primary source
Insightful lessons from Alexander's life
Interesting themes of ambition and power
Cons:
Some tedious sections
More images and maps would've been useful
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10/09/2025 10:00 am GMT