King Arthur and the Holy Grail, the lost tomb of Alexander the Great, ancient scripts, and the story of Atlantis: the human past is full of unsolved mysteries. The Seventy Great Mysteries of the Ancient World draws on modern science and the latest research to explore some of archaeology's most baffling controversies and enigmas, from our origins and evolution to the mysterious collapse of once-powerful civilizations. Leading authorities discuss the key questions, beginning with the truth behind myths and legends.

Timeline -- Introduction -- Technologies -- Stone tools -- Fire -- Wooden tools -- Composite tools, blades & chisels -- Bone & antler tools -- Grinders, polishers & polished axes -- Baskets & basketry -- Pottery -- Copper, bronze, gold & silver -- Iron & steel -- Glass -- Textiles & weaving -- Shelter & subsistence -- Houses -- Stone architecture -- Furniture -- Lighting & heating -- Water supplies & plumbing -- Bathing & sanitation -- Security -- Cereal agriculture -- From digging-sticks to ploughs -- Irrigation -- Handmills, watermills & pumps -- Gardens -- The domestication of animals -- Cooking -- Fermented beverages -- Food preservation -- Chocolate & tea -- Drugs & narcotics -- Transportation -- Skis, snowshoes, toboggans & skates -- Wheels & carts -- Horses & horse equipment -- Tracks & roads -- Bridges & canals -- Camels & camel saddles -- Rafts & logboats -- Planked boats & ships -- Sailing vessels -- Paddles, poles & oars -- Navigation, harbours & lighthouses -- Hunting, warfare & sport -- Animal & fish traps, fishing nets -- Spearthrowers, boomerangs & bows & arrows -- Swords, daggers & war spears -- Armour, helmets & shields -- Fortifications -- Siege engines, catapults & crossbows -- Chariots & cavalry -- Galleys & warships -- Ball games & competitive sports -- Board games -- Art & science -- The earliest art -- Music & musical instruments -- Writing -- Codes & ciphers -- Books & paper -- Astrology & astronomy -- Calendars & the measurement of time -- Maps & cartography -- Mathematics & counting devices -- Coinage & money -- Balances, weights & measures -- General medicine -- Surgery & surgical instruments -- Mummies & mummification -- Adorning the person -- Body art & tattooing -- Clothing, shoes & wigs -- Jewelry -- Cosmetics & perfumes -- Contraceptives & aphrodisiacs.