Ancient Worlds

"[An] impeccably researched and authoritative study of the world 500BC to AD300.... Scott's scholarly but accessible style manages to make this sweeping saga enthralling throughout, as he traces the stories of everyone from Hannibal to Confucius, debunking myths and cliches along the way."
-The Guardian (UK)

"Offering the Mediterranean and the Far East as a giant chessboard-with individual moves impacting the whole-astute analysis is matched with acute prose."
-Prospect Magazine (UK)

"Impressive."
-The Times (UK)

"The presentation of events revealing unfamiliar connections and comparisons, as well as the inclusion of less-familiar topics such as the Seleucid Empire and Armenia, provides a fascinating perspective that many readers should find intriguing."
-Library Journal

"A welcome broadening of our understanding of antiquity.... Scott teaches us that the past is a work in progress influenced by political and religious ideas and powerful rulers and individuals, and he proves that we need to continue to study and learn."
-Kirkus Reviews

"This vivid and engaging book brings to life some of the most important moments in ancient history, moments that have shaped not only the politics and culture of bygone eras, but the institutions, thoughts and fantasies of our time."
-Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens

"This is a pathbreaking contribution to the going interest in seeing the ancient world as a whole, embracing China and India as much as Greece and Rome. And what's more, it's a joy to read!"
-Ian Morris, author of Why the West Rules-For Now

"As panoramic as it is learned, this is ancient history for our globalized world."
-Tom Holland, author of Dynasty and Rubicon

"A bold and imaginative page-turner that challenges ideas about the world of antiquity."
-Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads

"Michael Scott puts the western past in global perspective. He pursues patterns and entanglements that crossed ancient continents and continue to shape us today. His fascinating account brings together Confucius and the Battle of Marathon, Hannibal and Ashoka, Buddhism and Christianity-as well as Hollywood and the Chinese movie industry. As big-picture history it is dazzling and delightful."
-Barry Strauss, author of The Death of Caesar: The Story of History's Most Famous Assassination