A fact-filled introduction to global history with stories and characters from the most important turning points from the dawn of civilization to World War II, this book is designed for children with an interest in the past who want to find out more about the people who made history--artists and architects, soldiers and explorers, politicians and religious leaders. From the discovery of metalworking to the devastation of the Black Death, and from the rise of the Ottoman empire to the scramble for Africa, key events in world history are introduced simply and clearly, with the help of stunning illustrations from the British Library's collection.