Includes bibliographical references and index.

The classical era --
Pt. 1. The primary concern --
Ch. 1. Global odyssey: searching for subsistence --
Ch. 2. Civilized centres: settlements become permanent --
Ch. 3. Rulers and myths: preconditions of stability --
Pt. 4. Hostile encounters: the threat from outside --
Ch. 5. Communication network: paths to coexistence --
Ch. 6. Global response: the spreading of the empires --
Pt. 3. The religious factor --
Ch. 7. Creeds of empire: conformity and allegiance --
Ch. 8. Crossing frontiers: faiths and universalism --
Ch. 9. Division and decline: propaganda for salvation --
From classical to modern --
The modern era --
Pt. 4. New beginnings --
Ch. 10. Movements of peoples: nomads and new settlers --
Ch. 11. Economic breakthrough: new bases of subsistence --
Ch. 12. Church and state: twin pillars of stability --
Pt. 5. Wider identities --
Ch. 13. Centuries of empire: global impulse renewed --
Ch. 14. Tools of empire: technology of expansion --
Ch. 15. Creed of empire: ideologies on the move --
Pt. 6. Global tendencies --
Ch. 16. The world economy: from crisis to growth --
Ch. 17. Hostile encounters: civilizations at war --
Ch. 18. Communication network: search of coexistence --
Conclusion.

It offers a clear and engaging introduction to the history of humankind, from the earliest movements of people to the contemporary epoch of globalization. Showing how much of human history encompasses three intersecting forces - trading networks, expanding political empires and crusading creeds.