Book cover of Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World

Book description

The ancient world saw the birth and collapse of great civilizations. In mainstream history the Classical world is dominated by Greece and Rome, and the Biblical world is centred on the Hebrews. Yet the roughly four-and-a-half thousand years (4000 bc-ad 550) covered in this book saw many peoples come and…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is a wonderful overview of several overlooked societies of the Classical world. 

Most English speakers have heard of ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. However, ‘barbarian’ peoples like the Dacians, Illyrians, and Sarmatians receive far less attention. Each group receives its own short chapter with maps and summaries of cultural achievements; because the author gives each group its own ‘legacy’ section, readers can readily understand how that society contributed to the modern world. 

If you want to learn about the ‘barbarians’ of the Mediterranean world (and more), this is the book for you. I chose this book because it…

If you love Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World.

Browse books like Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World

Book cover of Working IX to V: Orgy Planners, Funeral Clowns, and Other Prized Professions of the Ancient World
Book cover of The 12th Planet
Book cover of The Collapse of Complex Societies

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World, you might also like...

Book cover of Deadly Revenge

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley,

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…

Book cover of The Duty of Memory

The Duty of Memory by Vicki Olsen,

Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.

This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…

5 book lists we think you will like!