Rise and Fall

*Rise and Fall* begins with an exploration of the Akkadian Empire, a dominant force in ancient Mesopotamia. The narrative then shifts to the expansive Roman Empire, tracing the origins of both Western and Eastern cultural heritages. Strathern highlights the significant developments in Western classical culture that flourished under the Abbasid and Umayyad Caliphates. As Europe slowly emerged from a period of cultural stagnation, it faced a formidable threat from the East with the Mongol Empire's vigorous expansion, spotlighting the influential Mongol rulers.

Paul Strathern adeptly weaves together an impressive tapestry of history, spanning four millennia, to uncover surprising links among the world's iconic civilizations. His narrative includes an analysis of the Mongol Empire, the Yuan Dynasty, as well as the Aztec and Ottoman Empires. He continues through to the most modern and expansive empires, such as the British, Russo-Soviet, and American empires. In ten well-crafted chapters, *Rise and Fall* offers a thorough and captivating exploration of 5,000 years of global history, making it an essential read for anyone intrigued by the intricate story of our world's past.