"From the watch Napoleon used to synchronize with his generals at Waterloo, and Chinese vases believed to be the oldest example of blue and white porcelain, to the US Constitution and the Mayan Dresden codex, the oldest book written in the Americas, this beautifully illustrated book provides a completely fresh perspective on the history of the world. Objects revealing how our ancestors lived, and how these items helped shape civilization, History of the World in 1,000 Objects contains a treasure trove of human creativity from earliest cultures to the present day. Objects are grouped chronologically, under key themes, from art to the history of technology, and together help paint a unique picture that provides detailed insight into each culture. In addition to the photographs, this book features timelines and maps that make it easy to compare how people lived at different times and in different parts of the world"--Provided by publisher.

At head of title: Smithsonian. Editors, Lili Bryant ... [et al.]. Includes index.

Early societies, 20,000-700 BCE -- Ancient civilizations, 700 BCE-600 CE -- Trade and empire, 600-1450 -- Enlightenment and imperialism, 1450-1750 -- Industry and independence, 1750-1900 -- A shrinking world, 1900 to present -- Timelines of world history.