The Story of Civilization: Vol. I – The Ancient World {Review & Giveaway}

by | Aug 13, 2016 | Ancient History, Giveaway, History, Reviews | 1 comment

I am so excited about the new history series from TAN Homeschool! We will be focusing on Western Civilization II and American History this upcoming school year, but I’m already planning to incorporate The Story of Civilization: Vol. 1 – The Ancient World the following year when our family cycles back to Ancient History.

TAN sent me the complete set to review here at Shower of Roses and I’ve been very impressed at what I have seen so far. It is a welcome addition to our home library! In fact, we have already started listening to the captivating Audio Dramatization (also available from Audible) as a family on our drive to Mass each Sunday! Even our high schoolers are enjoying listening to the fun and exciting audios and have learned some interesting new facts.

The complete set consists of:

  • Text Book
  • Test Book
  • Activity Book
  • Teacher’s Manual
  • Video Lecture Series
  • Audio Dramatization
  • Timeline Map  (Receive a FREE copy of the Timeline Map when you order the complete set – a savings of $14.95!) 

The series is also available over at Amazon. {affiliate link}

Text Book

From the product description page:

Children should not just read about history, they should live it. In The Story of Civilization, the ancient stories that have shaped humanity come alive like never before. Author Phillip Campbell uses his historical expertise and story-telling ability together in tandem to present the content in a fresh and thrilling way.

The Story of Civilization reflects a new emphasis in presenting the history of the world as a thrilling and compelling narrative. Within each chapter, children will encounter short stories that place them directly in the shoes of historical figures, both famous and ordinary, as they live through legendary battles and invasions, philosophical debates, the construction of architectural wonders, the discovery of new inventions and sciences, and the exploration of the world.

Volume I, The Ancient World, begins the journey, covering the time periods from the dawn of history and the early nomads, to the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Children will learn what life was like in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, Rome, and more, as well as learn the Old Testament stories of the Israelites and the coming of Christ.

The strength of the content lies not only in the storybook delivery of it, but also in the way it presents history through the faithful prism of the Church. Have you always wanted your children to learn about world history from a Catholic perspective? Here, you’ll have the trusted resource you’ve always wanted.

Dramatized Audio Book 

Talented voice actor and audio book producer Kevin Gallagher returns to bring children the history of the world in this riveting reading of The Story of Civilization: The Ancient World. This follows his immensely popular reading of TAN Book’s The Story of the Bible. our children will be transported back in time through the sound effects, music and voice acting that complements the reading of the text. Whether looking for entertainment on a long road trip, enhancing the experience with the text, or catering to the needs of a child with a reading disability—this audio dramatization will open up a new world of adventure for kids of all ages.

Note: You can find my previous review of The Story of the Bible here

Video Lecture Series

In this lecture series, author of The Story of Civilization, Phillip Campbell, leads students on a chapter-by-chapter journey, reviewing the events, characters, and lessons that make up Volume I. This companion piece to the text is meant to assist parents and allow a hands-off approach to their lesson planning. 

In each lecture, students will find:

  • A 10 minute narrative review of each chapter
  • A discussion of key figures
  • Further explanation of historical events
  • Engaging visual aids and graphics
  • A short quiz to test their knowledge

After viewing these lectures, students will be able to turn to their workbooks and test books with confidence!

Note: Videos are streaming on www.tanhomeschool.com. At purchase, you will receive a card with a digital code to access the videos.

Test Book

Suggested for 5th-8th grade, the test book serves as a companion resource to The Story of Civilization: The Ancient World.  The pages of the test book are perforated for easy removal and already punched for storage in three-ring binders!

From the product description page:

With this book, students can test their reading comprehension and further educate themselves on the content found in the text. One quiz corresponds to each chapter in the text book. Questions for each chapter are suitable as a study exercise or as an objective answer test, with an answer key for teachers in the back. The questions include matching items, multiple choice, and true/false.

Activity Book

Suggested for 1st-4th grade (though I think my 6th and 7th grade daughters will enjoy some of it as well!), the activity book is filled with all sorts of fun activities… Coloring Pages, Map Activities, Crossword Puzzles and Word Searches, Craft Projects and even Drawing Projects (How-to-Draw) – lots to choose from to review and reinforce what has been read in The Story of Civilization: The Ancient World!

Teacher’s Manual 

The Teacher’s Manual is an excellent addition to the set! In addition to the answers and directions to the exercises found in the Activity Book, it also includes: Reading Comprehension Questions, Narration Exercises, Science Projects, and even Fun Snack Ideas and Recipes like “Canaanite Fig Bars” and “Gaius Marius Eagle’s Eggs In A Nest“!

Timeline Map

From the product description page:

Keeping track of the people, events, and dates that shaped history can be difficult. With this fun, comprehensive, and engaging timeline that employs an easy to follow format and vibrant illustrations, students will have the help they need to track the chronology of the story of civilization. This timeline mirrors the scope of The Story of Civilization text book, beginning with the early nomads and running to the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Within these bookends, children will be introduced to the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, Greek inventors and philosophers, Spartan warriors, the famous figures of the Old Testament, infamous Roman Emperors, and the Holy Family. 

Included as a FREE bonus when you purchase the complete set directly from TAN, the Timeline Map features:

  • Laminated format capable of being written on with a sharpie
  • 36 x 18 size when unfolded 
  • Easy to follow structure
  • 40+ illustrations
  • Covers over 75 major events and people
  • “Timeline Trivia” on the back


I plan to use it as a guide and inspiration for new timeline additions to my children’s personal Timeline Binders.

.: Giveaway :. 

TAN has generously offered to send one COMPLETE SET (Valued at $154.70!) to a visitor here at Shower of Roses including the Text Book, Test Book, Activity Book and Teacher’s Manual, Video Lecture Series, Audio Dramatization, and Timeline!

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter Box below:

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1 Comment

  1. Eva

    Do you think this could be used as a spine for high school?

    Reply

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