The Story of Civilization: Volume I – The Ancient World
By Phillip Campbell · Published by TAN Books
Overview
Children should not just read about history—they should live it. In The Story of Civilization: Volume I – The Ancient World, author Phillip Campbell transforms world history into a vivid and engaging narrative that places young readers directly inside the events that shaped humanity.
Spanning from the earliest nomadic cultures to the conversion of Emperor Constantine, this volume introduces children to the great civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, and Rome, while seamlessly weaving in the story of salvation history through the Old Testament and the coming of Christ. Through 35 short, story-driven chapters, students encounter both famous leaders and everyday figures as they experience battles, discoveries, cultural achievements, and pivotal moments in human history through a faithful Catholic lens.
What Students Will Discover
- The Rise of Ancient Civilizations: Explore the foundations of human culture across Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, and Rome.
- Salvation History Integrated: Trace the history of the Israelites, Old Testament prophets, the coming of Christ, and the dawn of the Church.
- Legendary Historical Figures: Meet pivotal leaders and thinkers, including Archimedes, Hannibal, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Emperor Constantine.
- Fascinating Historical Facts: Discover how Minoan youth played bull-leaping games, why King Xerxes tried to punish the sea, and how Hannibal crossed the Alps with elephants.
- The Dawn of Christendom: Witness the rise and persecution of early Christians culminating in Constantine’s conversion.
From the Book
“History comes alive when we see it through the lives of those who lived it, discovering not only what happened, but why it matters.”
Complete Learning System Available
- Textbook: 35 story-driven lessons designed for clear comprehension and retention.
- Test Book (Grades 5–8): Chapter quizzes with a comprehensive answer key.
- Activity Book & Teacher’s Manual (Grades 1–4): Hands-on crafts, maps, comprehension questions, and creative exercises.
- Video Lecture Series: Chapter reviews, visual aids, and quizzes led directly by the author.
- Dramatized Audio Book: Fully produced, immersive narration complete with music and sound effects.
- Timeline Poster: Laminated 36×18 visual guide mapping over 75 major events and figures.
Key Themes Explored
- World history taught through an authentic Catholic worldview
- Seamless integration of sacred scripture and secular history
- Story-based pedagogical approach for deep engagement and retention
- Comprehensive multi-grade curriculum flexibility
Intended Audience
Ideal for Catholic homeschool families, parochial schools, co-ops, and educators seeking a faithful, comprehensive history curriculum. The textbook is primary suited for grades 5–8, with activity supplements tailored for younger learners in grades 1–4.
FAQs
What time period does Volume I cover?
It covers early nomadic human history and ancient civilizations through classical Greece and Rome, ending with the conversion of Emperor Constantine in AD 312.
Is this part of a complete history series?
Yes. This is Volume I of The Story of Civilization four-volume series by Phillip Campbell, which spans from the Ancient World through the Modern Era.
Are supplemental resources required to use the textbook?
No. The textbook functions as a standalone history reader, though TAN Books offers matching Test Books, Activity Books, Audio Dramatizations, and Video Lectures for a complete curriculum experience.
- SKU:
- 2465
- ISBN-13:
- 9781505105643
- Illustrator:
- Chris Pelicano
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Publication Date:
- 5/10/2016
- SKU:
- 2465
- Product Format:
- Set
- Product Type:
- Set
- Format:
- Set
- Height:
- 11.00
- Width:
- 8.50
6 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
-
Engaging
My first grader loves history, thanks to this series! He (and his younger brother) enjoy listening to the audio book, coloring the pictures, and the activities. The snack activities have been a big hit! I appreciate having options for the activities, and having an audio version.
-
Great for all ages
My children and I have really been enjoying this series. I think it can be geared toward children of all ages, including High School. I plan to use it all the way up.
-
Great for every age
I'vebeen using this history program with my 5th and 8th graders. They ask me every day to read the next section and we are actually finishing the book early! That never happens for us! I plan to use this all the way up through high school (I;ll supplement with note-taking and timelines).
-
Overall good, but lacking in some areas
This history program is very good for younger students, but you might want a more thorough one for high-school level. I recommend at least getting the audiobook if you don;t want to get the videos, they really help make it fun, interesting, and accessible for children. The crafts are well thought out and fun, helping to reinforce the week;s lesson. This set works very well as a spine, but I found that it does need some supplementation. There were several civilizations that were not covered (Celts, Indus Valley, Yellow River Valley, Native Americans, etc.), but it was not difficult for me to slip them in between lessons. There is also a lack of color or photographs of actual archeological sites, artifacts, etc. Again, easily supplemented, but enough is missing that I feel justified docking a star. I would, however, recommend this to Catholic families. Overall, I'm happy with this purchase and would recommend it, but also would heavily encourage that it not be the sole source for your history lessons.
-
For the first time in
For the first time in my life I can say, I enjoy history and It's all thanks to these wonderful books.
-
Wonderful addition to my homeschooling
My children would complain EVERY TIME they had to do history, but now they look forward to it and actually do not want to stop the lesson!
