This book tells the story of a millennium of rapid change. Complex societies emerged around the world to support the rapidly growing population, while society became more urban and centralized. From centers such as Greece and Rome, highly developed culture spread into more peripheral areas, where nomads and others created their own less stable societies; many of the world's major religions took root; and great empires arose in South Asia, China, and South America. Contains global overview maps covering the whole period; regional maps and accompanying essays that highlight contemporary developments; and, curriculum links and glossary terms explained on the page.