The Mystery of History Volume 2, 2nd Edition
Blending Bible and world history, this rich, global narrative reveals how emperors, saints, scholars, and storytellers shaped the medieval world—often at the same time, in wildly different ways.
$99.95
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Complete Course
Faith-Based
In a Curriculum Kit
Multiple Grades
2026 Eighth-Grade Curriculum Kit
The Mystery of History Volume 2, 2nd Edition
How do you make sense of the Middle Ages if history is taught as isolated civilizations instead of overlapping stories?
The Mystery of History: Volume II continues the series’ chronological approach by following world events from Pentecost through the invention of the printing press while showing how cultures, governments, religions, and historical figures developed alongside one another.
Written by homeschool mom Linda Hobar in a conversational, read-aloud style, this volume guides families through 84 lessons covering the Early Church, medieval Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and beyond.
Students encounter world-changing events and figures while exploring connections across time periods and regions:
- The spread of Christianity alongside changing empires
- Vikings, kingdoms, and shifting political systems
- Islamic scholarship and scientific advancement
- Medieval Europe, alongside developing civilizations around the world
- Expanding trade, exploration, and technological change
- The included downloadable Companion Guide expands learning with:
- Hands-on projects
- Maps, quizzes, and memory work
- Research assignments for older students
- Timeline activities and review resources
- Age-appropriate assignments for multiple levels
The multi-level structure allows younger students to participate through read-aloud lessons. Older students complete deeper research and independent assignments.
This is a program built for families who want students to see how events influence one another across centuries, rather than studying history one disconnected civilization at a time.
Browse a sample lesson and get a taste of what this book has to offer.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this product below:
One difference between the two series is their target age. The Story of the World is primarily for elementary students, with Volume I recommended for 1st through 4th grade and Volume IV for 4th through 8th grade. The Mystery of History's reading level begins at about 4th or 5th grade in Volume I and progresses to 10th or 11th grade in Volume IV, although it is easily adaptable for multiple ages.
Another key difference is the religious perspective. The Story of the World aims to narrate from a neutral perspective. It covers major religious characters and historical events but does not endorse a particular religious view. The Mystery of History is written from a clearly Christian perspective and integrates biblical and church history into the text.
A minor difference between the two series is the student work involved. The Story of the World revolves around the narrative, so all activities, while engaging, are optional. The Mystery of History is also narrative-based but expects more student work. Nonetheless, it is highly adaptable to each student's age and family preferences.
- March 15, 2023
All time favorite history curriculum
Julie S.
I swapped the story of the world for this and it has been a better fit. Timberdoodle includes it for older grades but I have found that it is useful for third and second grade. I find myself reading it myself too as I wind down before bed. It is the best history curriculum I’ve ever come across, including when I went to public school. I absolutely love how the author covers biblical figures chronologically alongside famous people in world history. Until this series, I hadn’t realized how close Cleopatra was to the birth of Jesus, for example. This book is my personal favorite out of everything I’ve covered this year with my third grader.
- June 8, 2022
Must have
STACEY B.
This is a favorite of ours. Short lessons and very interesting
- October 10, 2020
Louise O.
My son is enjoying this course! I've been reading it aloud to him so I get to enjoy it also!
- June 1, 2018
The Mystery of History Volume III
Rachel W.
My kids absolutely LOVE the Mystery of History! My son has done every year of it and my daughter is working through it, and loves it just as much.
- February 20, 2014
Engaging History!
Tara M.
My son has always liked history but now he loves it and wants to do History first. This history is engaging even for reluctant learners. We even like Volume II even more than we liked Volume I. :)
- January 14, 2013
Fun History Lessons
Sheila
We have used all the Mystery of History Books and love them! The lessons are easily read by the student (which is helpful to a busy momma) and the activities are separated by age, which is also helpful. There are also map pages and time line work if you so choose to do them. Great course!
- November 17, 2010
Mystery of History Vol 2
Renee
My girls love this curriculum! After using Vol 1 last year, they asked to use it again this year. History has not been a favorite subject for them in the past. Mystery of History has changed that!
- September 14, 2010
I, personally, want to read it :)
Linda F.
We absolutely loved the Mystery of History Series. It is a wonderful way to put world history alongside biblical history and see how they fit together. The first book had more lesson weeks than we have weeks of school, but we liked the bit shorter lesson lengths in that book. Both books are great for teaching several grades together. It has age appropriate assignments for various levels. Our daughter graduated in May 2008, but I still bought Mystery of History III!! I, personally, want to read it :)
- February 18, 2010
The Best!
Diane
My 11 year old daughter and I used Volume I last year and she couldn't wait to begin Volume II this year. History has become her favorite subject. The daily lessons are just the right length with plenty of hands on activities to supplement the learning. The mapping activities at the end of the week are a favorite. We are looking forward to using Volume III next year!
- August 24, 2009
It's incredibly flexible.
Lynn F.
You can use it as a springboard for older students, as is. I've used it for help with writing and studying skills--picking out important facts, writing a summary as well as imprinting an overall history timeline with my kids. It works with all types of learners as well with their variety of tasks to complete
