The Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times

The Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times is the first book in Susan Wise Bauer's beloved four-volume narrative history series designed specifically for elementary-aged children. This award-winning curriculum has become a cornerstone of classical homeschool education, used by hundreds of thousands of families worldwide since its original publication. The book presents the history of the ancient world in an engaging, story-based format that captures children's imaginations while building a solid chronological framework for understanding how civilizations developed and interacted.

Volume 1 covers the span of history from the earliest nomadic peoples through the fall of the Roman Empire. Children journey through ancient Egypt, learning about pharaohs and pyramids; explore Mesopotamia and the Code of Hammurabi; discover the ancient civilizations of China, India, and Africa; follow the Israelites through the Old Testament period; witness the rise of Greek democracy and the conquests of Alexander the Great; and trace the expansion and eventual decline of the Roman Empire. Each chapter reads like a story, making complex historical events accessible and memorable for young learners.

What sets The Story of the World apart from other history curricula is its narrative approach. Rather than presenting dry facts and dates, Bauer weaves history into compelling stories that children genuinely enjoy hearing and reading. The chronological structure helps students build a mental timeline of world events, understanding how different civilizations existed simultaneously and influenced one another. This approach aligns with the classical education model, which emphasizes building a strong foundation of historical knowledge in the elementary years.

The revised edition includes updated maps, illustrations, and additional biographical sketches that bring historical figures to life. The book works beautifully as a read-aloud for younger children in grades 1-3 and as independent reading for students in grades 4-5. Companion resources, including an activity book and test booklet (sold separately), provide hands-on projects, map work, narration exercises, and comprehension questions that reinforce learning. The Story of the World has earned its reputation as one of the most popular and effective history programs in the homeschool community.