Grade 5: On the Silk Road

Colonies living under foreign rule share two indignities: colonizers establish power over less powerful people, and they take more than they return to their colonies. This fascinating book looks at the history of colonialism from earliest civilization through the twentieth century--from the Huns in Mongolia to the Greeks in the Mediterranean Sea, to the British in Colonial America--discussing why it developed, the quintessential colonial powers, and how the colonies broke from their mother countries. Primary source images and transcripts of primary source documents help readers understand why this political system developed and why it fell.

From the beginning of time, humankind has been fascinated with areas of the world and historical periods beyond our immediate experience. The Historical Atlas set offers a highly visual and compelling presentation of the history and development of different lands and cultures throughout the world and across time. Each volume pairs lively "you are there" accounts with a superb combination of detailed maps, stunning photographs and illustrations, profiles of key figures, timelines, and much more to provide new and unique insights into world history.

How did Marco Polo manage to walk across all of Asia? Why did he become a favorite of fabled Mongol ruler Kublai Khan? Why was he not recognized on his return home? More than 700 years ago, merchants grew rich trading silks, spices, and glittering jewels between Europe and East Asia. Marco Polo decided to see for himself the mysterious lands of the East, and embarked on an expedition lasting 24 years. The account of his epic journey astounded people throughout Europe. Find out how Marco Polo braved bandits, sandstorms, mountains, pirates, and deadly diseases along the Silk Road and Spice Route. Discover how he became a spy for Kublai Khan, saw treasures beyond his dreams, brought riches home to Italy, and wrote one of the greatest travel books of all time.