History comes alive in this engaging and lavishly illustrated chronicle, which spans world events and people from ancient times to the 21st century. The voices of the great and humble speak through songs, documents, edicts, poetry, letters, menus, and even graffiti.

Epic journeys : prehistory to 3500 BCE --National Geographic examines Code of Hammurabi -- Golden ages : 600 B.C.E.-600 C.E. -- National Geographic examines The Analects -- The classical age : 600 B.C.E.-500 C.E. -- National Geographic examines Dead Sea scrolls -- Postclassical era : 500-1100 -- National Geographic examines The Koran -- Kings and nomads : 1000-1450 -- National Geographic examines The Magna Carta -- Breaking bonds : 1450-1650 -- National Geographic examines Luther's 95 theses -- New world order : 1650-1800 -- National Geographic examines U.S. Constitution -- Empires rising : 1800-1900 -- National Geographic examines The origin of species -- The world at war : 1900-1945 -- National Geographic examines Treaty of Versailles -- Global cultures : 1945-2010 -- National Geographic examines 9/11 Commission report.