The first volume of Will Durant's Pulitzer Prize–winning series, Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization, Volume I chronicles the early history of Egypt, the Middle East, and Asia. In this masterful work, readers will encounter:

Sumeria, birthplace of the first cities and written laws

The Egyptians, who perfected monumental architecture, medicine, and mummification more than 3,500 years ago

The Babylonians, who developed astronomy and physics, and planted the seeds of Western mythology

The Judeans, who preserved their culture forever in the immortal books of the Old Testament

The Persians, who ruled the largest empire in recorded history before Rome

Indian philosophy, Chinese philosophers, and Japanese samurais