Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Ancient and Medieval World is an authoritative collection of two engaging and readable reference sets--Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Medieval World and Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Ancient World. Including information on Western and non-Western cultures and civilizations, this illustrated eight-volume set provides comprehensive coverage of these prolific eras in world history--from prehistory to the fall of Rome and the European Renaissance. The alphabetical entries in these well-researched encyclopedias explore specific topics and allow readers to compare and contrast events in different areas of the world with ease. Primary source documents, sidebars, and black-and-white photographs and maps supplement the text.