title: Ancient Computing: From Counting to Calendars (Ancient Technology)
author:  Michael Woods 
description: Grade 6-9-Accessible, clearly written series titles that look at the use of technology in early civilizations. The first book examines ancient methods of communication in the Middle East, India, China, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Americas. Discussions of paints and painting techniques, writing systems and writing paraphernalia, printing methods, and libraries are included. Computing discusses the methods of computation developed in various societies around the world, from prehistoric times to the Roman Empire. Chapters cover counting, number systems, measurement, and their applications. Construction describes buildings and structures and examines materials, methods, and tools of construction. Above-average, full-color photographs of sites and artifacts and reproductions enhance these solid presentations.<br /><i>Paul Bielich, Northwestern High School, Detroit, MI </i><br />Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  # **EIGHT**
  
  
  
  
  
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  **The Planet Ning**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  _Although the gravity on Ning is not so severe as to prevent norms from living
  there, it acted to limit the number of A-strain colonists who wanted to settle
  the world, and gave the heavies something of an advantage. They flourished on
  the planet —but have yet to gain the political power they feel entitled to._
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  —Tuso the Wise,
  
  
  
  
  
  _A History of Ning_
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **_For reasons known only to the thousand-year-old computer_** that lay buried
  many stories beneath the city, the power came on at exactly eight each evening
  and remained on until exactly 3:00 a.m., when it went off. No one knew how the
  power was generated or how long it would continue to be available, which meant
  that each working day ended in a moment of suspense. Was this the day when the
  power would fail? Or would the ancient system continue to operate for another
  seven hours? There was no way to know, a fact that robbed would-be i