Lamberg-Karlovsky is a recognized expert on ancient civilizations of the Middle East, conducted field work in Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Oman; Sablov is an expert in the archeology of Mexico and Central America, the head of excavations in the Mayan culture zone. This predetermined both the geographical and chronological scope of the book. Based on the latest scientific data and the personal experience of the authors, it provides a broad and objective picture of the development of the most important civilizations of the ancient world in two independent centers of high culture of the Old and New Worlds, far removed from each other in time and space.