Mine was The Ancient Engineers, by L. Sprague de Camp. Though he's primarily known as a sci-fi writer, the author did this as a well referenced, fact based history of ancient technologies and engineering. It delivers a great perspective of how knowledgeable and advanced ancient people actually were. Basically how they were just like us in an earlier time, and how one simple invention or discovery was used as a stepping stone onward and upward to the advancement of civilization as a we know it today. It's a great easy read and an eye opener when it comes to advancements in technology in general. How even something as simple as the innovation of adding a stirrup on a saddle can lead to great improvements in human history.
It is likely outdated today having been written in the sixties, but as a young man I found it a great read.
It is likely outdated today having been written in the sixties, but as a young man I found it a great read.
Too many too mention and for different reasons.
I remember really like the way De Camp wrote the Conan novels, and being disappointed on reading the Jordan(Wheel of Time series) continuation of them. I think I'll chase that book up after I get my current crop out of the way. I've long held the belief that we modern humans underestimate the intelligence and ability to problem-solve of others including ancient humans and some animals.