Rise and Fall: Great Empires That Shaped the World

Journey back in time to discover the fascinating histories of nine ancient civilizations, including lesser-known empires such as Ayutthaya and Benin.

You may know of the Vikings, the Aztecs and the Mongols - perhaps even Minoa, Mali and Benin. But what about Kamakura, Achaemenid and Ayutthaya? This captivating collection of histories uncovers the secrets behind nine of the world’s greatest empires.

With exciting stories to tell of power-hungry leaders, incredible riches and legendary battles, Rise and Fall reveals why each empire rose to power, what life was like, and what led to its eventual downfall. Not forgetting the legacies - and lessons - they left behind for us.

Detail-packed illustrations by Peter Allen (Atlas of Amazing Architecture, Cicada 2021) bring the stories to life, taking young readers on an immersive voyage of discovery to the ancient world.

Peter Allen is a British illustrator based in France. He has illustrated books for Bloomsbury, Macmillan, Egmont, Usborne and others. Taking inspiration from folk art, mid-century illustration and postage stamps, Allen’s images are packed with observed details, imagination and humour. He is the author of Atlas of Amazing Architecture (Cicada, 2021).