Povijest #1: Prapovijest i prve civilizacije
The first volume of the History of the World series, originally published in 2004 with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. The book covers the origins of man and the development of the first civilizations, providing a comprehensive overview of prehistory
The work begins with an exploration of human origins, inspired by Darwin's theory of evolution in The Origin of Species. It traces the development from the earliest hominids, such as Lucy in Ethiopia 3.2 million years ago, to the emergence of Homo sapiens and the Neolithic Revolution around 5000 BC, when hydraulic systems enabled agriculture and the emergence of settlements. It focuses on the first civilizations of the Near East: the Sumerians, who developed writing, and the Babylonians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Jews, Phoenicians, Medes, and Persians. It also covers the cultures of Crete, Mycenae, and Troy, with an emphasis on economic, social, and cultural development.
The book uses a chronological approach, enriched with images of artifacts, but omits more recent discoveries such as Göbekli Tepe (discovered in 1994). It criticizes political correctness for avoiding controversial topics. It provides insights into science, culture, and economics, making it a valuable resource for understanding prehistory and civilizations.
Multiple copies are available
