The Ancient Roman World

Introducing The World in Ancient Times, a one-of-a-kind series that combines the knowledge of scholars of ancient history with the storytelling know-how of writers of young adult fiction. Each book is made up of 24 to 26 chapters short and lively enough to hold the attention of a middle-school student. Each chapter is based on one or more primary sources from antiquity, such as a quote from an ancient historian, a well-worn coin, a piece of pottery, or a partly crumbled wall. These pieces of evidence are clues from which the authors reconstruct the world in ancient times. Most history books tell what we know; by using actual quotes and curious objects from the past, The World in Ancient Times hooks young readers into the story of not only Iwhat we know but the often more interesting tale of how we know it.

Ronald Mellor, who is Professor of History at UCLA, first became enthralled with ancient history as a student at Regis High School in New York City. He is the statewide Faculty Advisor of the California History-Social Science Project, which brings university faculty together with K-12 teachers at sites throughout California. In 2000, the American Historical Association awarded the CHSSP the Albert J. Beveridge Award for K-12 teaching. Professor Mellor has held fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Council of Learned Societies. His research has centered on ancient religion and Roman historiography. His books include: Theia Rhome: The Goddess Roma in the Greek World (1975); From Augustus to Nero: The First Dynasty of Imperial Rome (1990); Tacitus 1993); Tacitus: The Classical Heritage (1995); The Historians of Ancient Rome (1997); and The Roman Historians (1999).

Born in New Orleans, Marni McGee grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of words began in childhood. She remembers sitting around the dinner table at night with her father, mother, older sister, and younger brother--all talking about the day. Along with the fried chicken and grits were dishes of laughter, teasing, memories, and stories. Many of her books spring from these family experiences. She began writing children's books in 1974 and has been a full-time writer since 1994. Her work--published in the United States, United Kingdom, and Korea--includes award-winning picture books, easy readers, poetry, and historical fiction.