History is not just about dates and events, but about people, how they lived and how political and religious changes affected their lives. This book tells the history of the world from the time when people first inhabited the Earth some 300,000 years ago, up to the present day. The presentation is visual, with the use of overview, summaries, themes and strands on particular subjects accompanied by a continuous linking chronological time-line of dates and events. The themes and strands focus on war, society, religion, people (covering topics such as homes, clothes and leisure), buildings, trade, arts and crafts, science and communication. Biographies of major historical figures are included throughout, and in addition to the time-line there is a ready-reference section with lists which include Roman emperors, Chinese dynasties, Russian tsars and Soviet rulers, British heads of state and prime ministers, and American presidents.