Weitere Bücher, die Sie mögen werden

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  Forsaken Realms - A Journey...

  John Harpoon

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  Throughout history, there have been places where human ambition, industry, or even nature’s cruelty has left behind stark reminders of a world once bustling with life, now standing frozen in time. These forsaken realms—whether born of abandonment, catastrophe, or the slow erosion of human civilization—whisper tales of a forgotten past. They are the remnants of once-thriving cities, sprawling industries, and cultures now reduced to ruins, each holding secrets that time has almost claimed. These abandoned places, laden with mystery and heavy with the weight of what they once represented, continue to intrigue and mystify us. 
  Some of these forsaken locations were victims of natural disasters, like the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried Pompeii under a deadly blanket of ash, preserving the city in eerie stillness. Others, like the ghost towns of the American West, are testimonies to the transient nature of fortune, where entire communities once built on the promise of riches have vanished almost without a trace. The islands and ruins scattered across the globe have become more than just decaying structures; they have morphed into historical monuments, intriguing puzzles, and even pilgrimages for those seeking to uncover their enigmatic stories. 
  These forgotten realms are not only remnants of civilizations but are also haunting mirrors of human nature. They speak to our fragility, to how empires rise and fall, to how entire populations are swallowed by time, war, or the sheer passage of years. What does it mean when a city is abandoned, a place where families once thrived, now empty and silent? What lies behind the decaying walls and the overgrown pathways? The unanswered questions linger in the air, enticing explorers, historians, and wanderers alike.

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  The Qin Dynasty - Unifying China

  Jun Liu

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  The Qin state emerged as one of the most formidable powers during the Warring States Period, a time of intense conflict and political fragmentation in ancient China. Situated in the western frontier, Qin was once considered a relatively backward state compared to its eastern rivals. However, through strategic reforms, military innovations, and a firm commitment to Legalist principles, Qin transformed itself into the dominant force that would eventually unify China. 
  One of the key factors in Qin’s rise was the implementation of Legalist policies under the statesman Shang Yang. In the fourth century BCE, Shang Yang introduced a series of reforms that fundamentally reshaped Qin society. These policies emphasized strict laws, centralized authority, and merit-based advancements. Land ownership was restructured to allow farmers more direct control over their land, encouraging agricultural productivity and economic growth. At the same time, a rigid legal code was enforced, ensuring discipline among the population while diminishing the power of aristocratic families. By weakening the influence of hereditary nobles and promoting individuals based on their abilities, Shang Yang’s reforms created a more efficient and loyal administrative system that strengthened Qin’s central government. 
  The military advancements of Qin also played a crucial role in its ascendance. Unlike other states that relied heavily on noble warriors, Qin adopted a professional army system that allowed for greater discipline and efficiency. The state implemented mass conscription, ensuring a steady supply of soldiers trained under strict military codes. Advanced weaponry, including iron swords and crossbows, gave Qin troops a significant advantage on the battlefield. Additionally, the construction of an extensive road network allowed for rapid troop movements, enabling Qin forces to respond quickly to threats and expand their territorial control.

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  Heian Period - The Golden Age of...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Heian Period, spanning from 794 to 1185 CE, marks one of the most culturally rich and politically significant eras in Japanese history. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the historical context, political dynamics, and societal structure that defined the early stages of the Heian era. The period officially began when Emperor Kanmu moved the imperial capital from Nara to Heian-kyō, present-day Kyoto. This relocation was intended to establish a new seat of power free from the influence of powerful Buddhist monasteries that had grown too entwined with politics in Nara. 
  The move to Heian-kyō signified more than a change in geography—it was the beginning of a new political and cultural identity. The city was meticulously planned, modeled after the Chinese capital of Chang’an, with a grid-like structure that reflected a vision of order and centralized authority. However, over time, the influence of the emperor waned as powerful aristocratic families, particularly the Fujiwara clan, rose to prominence. By marrying their daughters into the imperial family and acting as regents, the Fujiwara effectively controlled the court, shaping policy and governance from behind the scenes. 
  The political landscape of early Heian Japan was one of ceremonial grandeur and subtle manipulation. Real power resided in the hands of a few elite families, and the imperial court became increasingly detached from the provinces. This created a division between the cultured, refined life of the capital and the often turbulent realities of rural Japan, where local warrior clans began to assert their own authority.

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  A History Lover's Guide to New...

  Alison Fortier

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  This guidebook to the Big Apple goes beyond the traditional tour, offering visitors a fascinating exploration of the city's rich history. 
   
   
    
  New York is a city of superlatives. It has the largest population, greatest wealth, broadest diversity, and most elegant museums in the nation. With that comes an amazing history that you can experience firsthand with this unique guide. 
   
   
    
  George Washington took his first oath of office on the steps of Federal Hall. Visitors can still dine at the famed Fraunces Tavern and worship at historic St. Paul's Chapel. From the Brooklyn Bridge to stunning skyscrapers, the city celebrates its own history and that of the nation. Join author Alison Fortier as she traces the history and heritage of America's largest metropolis.

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  The Mythology of the Incas -...

  Odessa Nightshade

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  The mythology of the Incas is a fascinating tapestry of gods, legends, and rituals that shaped the spiritual and cultural identity of one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas. Unlike written traditions found in other ancient cultures, Incan mythology was passed down orally, with each generation preserving and refining the stories that explained the origins of the world, the forces of nature, and the role of human beings in the cosmos. These myths were deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the Inca people, influencing everything from their agricultural practices to their political structures.  
    
  At the heart of Incan mythology was a complex belief system that divided the universe into three realms: Hanan Pacha, the upper world of the gods; Kay Pacha, the earthly realm of humans; and Uku Pacha, the underworld where spirits and ancestors resided. These realms were connected by sacred mountains, rivers, and celestial bodies, all of which were considered divine. The gods of the Incan pantheon, led by Viracocha, the supreme creator, played a central role in shaping the world and maintaining balance within these realms. Inti, the sun god, was revered as the divine ancestor of the ruling class, while Pachamama, the earth goddess, was honored for providing sustenance and fertility.  
    
  Rituals and ceremonies were essential to maintaining harmony between the natural and supernatural worlds. The Inca performed elaborate festivals, such as Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, to honor their deities and ensure the continuation of prosperity. Priests and oracles played a crucial role in interpreting the will of the gods, often conducting sacrifices—both animal and human—as acts of devotion and appeasement. Sacred sites, including Coricancha in Cusco and Machu Picchu, served as centers of worship where offerings were made to the gods. 

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  The Life Cycle - 8000 Miles in...

  Kate Rawles

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  One woman's journey through South America - and the devastating story of our planet's disappearing biodiversity 
   
  Pedalling hard for thirteen months, eco adventurer Kate Rawles cycled the length of the Andes on an eccentric bicycle she built herself. The Life Cycle charts her mission to find out why biodiversity is so important, what's happening to it, and what can be done to protect it. 
   
  From the Pacific Ocean to rainforests and salt flats, Kate learns that armadillos can cross rivers by holding their breath, that Colombia has more species of birds than North America and Europe combined, and that in threatening species and ecosystems, we're tearing down our own life support system. En route, she witnesses the devastation of goldmining and oil drilling but finds hope in the incredible people working to regenerate habitats and communities. As she reaches the 'end of the world', she realises that to tackle biodiversity loss we all have a role to play. 
  'A gripping read for anyone who cares about what we're doing to the planet and how we can change it' DAVID SHUKMAN, FORMER BBC NEWS SCIENCE EDITOR 
   
  'Searing observations focused on our need to protect biodiversity - A tour de force' SIR TIM SMIT OBE, CO-FOUNDER OF THE EDEN PROJECT 
   
  'An informative, uplifting and truly important book' JONATHON PORRITT, AUTHOR AND CAMPAIGNER

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