In 480 BCE, 300 Spartan soldiers sacrificed themselves so that Greece would unite against the Persian invasion. This is the story of Leonidas I, the man who led them. Readers experience the rich culture of this ancient Greek city-state, a domain notorious for its intellectualism and diplomatic prowess. Readers will learn about how Leonidas I furthered democracy while maintaining the prosperity of his people, even in the face of adversity. Santillian and Macgregor Morris team up to prove th...

Cyrus the Great created the first Persian Empire and remains one of the world's most impressive rulers and military campaigners.Cyrus the Great created the first Persian Empire in the 500s BCE, and sealed his pre-eminence as one of the greatest founders of empire. He conquered all major civilizations in his region and his influence reached from the Balkans in the West to the Indus river in the East. His brilliant campaigns brought vast wealth and grandeur to his ho...