Revealing World History to 1500

Revealing^® World History to 1500 provides an overview of world history from prehistory into the sixteenth century CE. In reviewing thousands of years of significant events, phenomena, and people, Revealing^® World History to 1500 aims for global coverage of world societies, valuing their contributions on their own merits, not simply by their supposed impact on western society.

In text, activities, and images, students are guided through key historical issues such that they do not get lost in information overload. Revealing^® World History to 1500 presents “digestible” segments of information in a format that improves understanding and retention of the material.

The modules of Revealing^® World History to 1500, which can be used in any sequence, are primarily divided by region for ease of understanding development over time within a region while also allowing students to draw parallels between regions. The coverage by area highlights the regional nature of early history that began to change only at the dawn of the Early Modern Age as ocean navigation resulted in more interregional interaction.

The introductory module explores the definition of history and its relationship to the past, and addresses how we know what we know about what happened long ago. Distributed throughout Revealing® World History to 1500 are sections highlighting building blocks of civilization (for example, trade, military, community building projects) that provide content and discussion points for better understanding the common phenomena in the development of complex societies throughout the world.

Revealing^® World History to 1500 includes maps, timelines, and thousands of images. Contextually-placed selections from primary sources allow students the opportunity to analyze and extrapolate information from original material. Interactive activities following each section of reading go beyond simple recall, leading to deeper learning.

About the Author: Jared Ludlow, Ph.D. (Brigham Young University)

Jared Ludlow earned his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union in Near Eastern Religions. He has taught World History courses for many years and regularly participates with the AP World History grading. His specialty is the role and impact of religion in early societies. Prof. Ludlow’s research frequently looks at ancient texts and the roles they play within their respective societies, especially their religious communities. Among these texts he has noted the presence and use of humor to present memorable stories, encourage change, and poke fun at authorities. His published work includes Abraham Meets Death: Narrative Humor in the Testament of Abraham. New York: Continuum (Sheffield Academic Press); “Are Weeping and Falling Down Funny? Exaggeration in Ancient Novelistic Texts,” in Reading and Teaching Ancient Fiction. Jewish, Christian, and Greco-Roman Narratives. Writings from the Greco-Roman World Supplement Series, 11. Ed. Sara R. Johnson, Ruben R. Dupertuis, and Christine Shea. Atlanta: SBL Press; “Death and the Afterlife in 2 Baruch.” In Interpreting 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch. International Studies. Ed. Gabriele Boccaccini and Jason M. Zurawski. London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark.