Ancient Greece

The contribution of the Ancient Greeks to modern western culture is incalculable. In the worlds of art, architecture, myth, literature, and philosophy, the world we live in would be unrecognizably different without the formative influence of Ancient Greek models. Ancient Greek civilization was defined by the city - in Greek, the polis, from which we derive 'politics'. It is above all this feature of Greek civilization that has formed its most enduring legacy, spawning such key terms as aristocracy, oligarchy, tyranny and - last but by no means least - democracy. This stimulating Very Short Introduction to Ancient Greece takes the polis as its starting point. Paul Cartledge uses the history of eleven major Greek cities to illuminate the most important and informative themes in Ancient Greek history, from the first documented use of the Greek language around 1400 BCE, through the glories of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, to the foundation of the Byzantine empire in around CE 330. Covering everything from politics, trade, and travel to slavery, gender, religion, and philosophy, it provides the ideal concise introduction to the history and culture of this remarkable civilization that helped give birth to the world as we know it. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The contribution of the Ancient Greeks to modern western culture is incalculable. In the worlds of art, architecture, myth, literature, and philosophy, the world we live in would be unrecognizably different without the formative influence of Ancient Greek models. Ancient Greek civilization was defined by the city - in Greek, the polis, from which we derive 'politics'. It is above all this feature of Greek civilization that has formed its most enduring legacy, spawning such key terms as aristocracy, oligarchy, tyranny and - last but by no means least - democracy. This stimulating Very Short Introduction to Ancient Greece takes the polis as its starting point. Paul Cartledge uses the history of eleven major Greek cities to illuminate the most important and informative themes in Ancient Greek history, from the first documented use of the Greek language around 1400 BCE, through the glories of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, to the foundation of the Byzantine empire in around CE 330. Covering everything from politics, trade, and travel to slavery, gender, religion, and philosophy, it provides the ideal concise introduction to the history and culture of this remarkable civilization that helped give birth to the world as we know it. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

A retelling of Greek mythology and ancient history as recommended for Steiner-Waldorf curriculum Class 5-6 (age 10-12). This welcome new addition to Charles Kovacs' work contains legendary stories of mythical heroes and historic figures from the dawn of western civilization. Through the fearless deeds of Heracles, Theseus and Odysseus to the Golden Age of Athens and the conquests of Alexander the Great, the narrative vividly portrays the journey from the mysteries of antiquity to the birth of modern medicine, science and philosophy.

A retelling of Greek mythology and ancient history as recommended for Steiner-Waldorf curriculum Class 5-6 (age 10-12). This welcome new addition to Charles Kovacs' work contains legendary stories of mythical heroes and historic figures from the dawn of western civilization. Through the fearless deeds of Heracles, Theseus and Odysseus to the Golden Age of Athens and the conquests of Alexander the Great, the narrative vividly portrays the journey from the mysteries of antiquity to the birth of modern medicine, science and philosophy.

This compact yet comprehensive history brings ancient Greek civilization alive, from its Stone Age roots to the fourth century B.C. "A highly readable account of ancient Greece."— Kirkus Reviews Focusing on the development of the Greek city-state and the society, culture, and architecture of Athens in its Golden Age, Thomas R. Martin integrates political, military, social, and cultural history in a book that will appeal to students and general readers alike.Now in its second edition, this classic work now features new maps and illustrations, a new introduction, and updates throughout.“A limpidly written, highly accessible, and comprehensive history of Greece and its civilizations from prehistory through the collapse of Alexander the Great’s empire. . . . A highly readable account of ancient Greece, particularly useful as an introductory or review text for the student or the general reader.” —Kirkus Reviews “A polished and informative work that will be useful for general readers and students.”—Daniel Tompkins, Temple University

This compact yet comprehensive history brings ancient Greek civilization alive, from its Stone Age roots to the fourth century B.C. "A highly readable account of ancient Greece."— Kirkus Reviews Focusing on the development of the Greek city-state and the society, culture, and architecture of Athens in its Golden Age, Thomas R. Martin integrates political, military, social, and cultural history in a book that will appeal to students and general readers alike. Now in its second edition, this classic work now features new maps and illustrations, a new introduction, and updates throughout. “A limpidly written, highly accessible, and comprehensive history of Greece and its civilizations from prehistory through the collapse of Alexander the Great’s empire. . . . A highly readable account of ancient Greece, particularly useful as an introductory or review text for the student or the general reader.” —Kirkus Reviews “A polished and informative work that will be useful for general readers and students.”—Daniel Tompkins, Temple University

Embark upon a fascinating journey through ancient Greece – from its rise and fall to its lasting legacy throughout the Western world. Spanning more than 3,000 years, Ancient Greece explores the tumultuous history of this glorious empire in vivid detail – from its Minoan and Mycenaean origins to the apogee of the warring city-states of Athens and Sparta, and from the death of its most charismatic leader, Alexander the Great, to its ultimate defeat by Rome. Sumptuous photography and authoritative, engaging text cover every facet of life in ancient Greece, from art, entertainment, and schools of thought to politics, medicine, and war, while the myths and religious beliefs of the ancient culture are explored and explained in depth. Greece’s military and political power shines through in fascinating maps of its legendary battles. Buried palaces and the Athenian Agora where Plato and Socrates discussed philosophy are brought back to life with stunning CGI artworks. And the stories of everyone from ordinary citizens to lawmakers and the first Olympic athletes are retold through eyewitness accounts and original artefacts.

Embark upon a fascinating journey through ancient Greece – from its rise and fall to its lasting legacy throughout the Western world. Spanning more than 3,000 years, Ancient Greece explores the tumultuous history of this glorious empire in vivid detail – from its Minoan and Mycenaean origins to the apogee of the warring city-states of Athens and Sparta, and from the death of its most charismatic leader, Alexander the Great, to its ultimate defeat by Rome. Sumptuous photography and authoritative, engaging text cover every facet of life in ancient Greece, from art, entertainment, and schools of thought to politics, medicine, and war, while the myths and religious beliefs of the ancient culture are explored and explained in depth. Greece’s military and political power shines through in fascinating maps of its legendary battles. Buried palaces and the Athenian Agora where Plato and Socrates discussed philosophy are brought back to life with stunning CGI artworks. And the stories of everyone from ordinary citizens to lawmakers and the first Olympic athletes are retold through eyewitness accounts and original artefacts.

Embark upon a lavish visual journey through ancient Greece--its origins, its rise and fall, and its legacy that still permeates the Western world today. Spanning more than 3,000 years, Ancient Greece explores the tumultuous history of this glorious empire in vivid detail--from its Minoan and Mycenaean origins to the apogee of the warring city-states of Athens and Sparta, and from the death of its most charismatic leader, Alexander the Great, to its ultimate defeat by Rome. Sumptuous photography and authoritative, engaging text cover every facet of life in ancient Greece, from art, entertainment, and schools of thought to politics, medicine, and war, while myths and religious beliefs are explored and explained in visual context. Greece's military and political power shines through attractive and detailed maps of its legendary battles. The buried palaces and Athenian agoras where Plato and Socrates discussed philosophy are brought back to life with specially commissioned CGI recreations, while the stories of ordinary citizens, policymakers, and the first Olympic athletes are told with the help of illustrations, artifacts, and eyewitness accounts.

Embark upon a lavish visual journey through ancient Greece--its origins, its rise and fall, and its legacy that still permeates the Western world today. Spanning more than 3,000 years, Ancient Greece explores the tumultuous history of this glorious empire in vivid detail--from its Minoan and Mycenaean origins to the apogee of the warring city-states of Athens and Sparta, and from the death of its most charismatic leader, Alexander the Great, to its ultimate defeat by Rome. Sumptuous photography and authoritative, engaging text cover every facet of life in ancient Greece, from art, entertainment, and schools of thought to politics, medicine, and war, while myths and religious beliefs are explored and explained in visual context. Greece's military and political power shines through attractive and detailed maps of its legendary battles. The buried palaces and Athenian agoras where Plato and Socrates discussed philosophy are brought back to life with specially commissioned CGI recreations, while the stories of ordinary citizens, policymakers, and the first Olympic athletes are told with the help of illustrations, artifacts, and eyewitness accounts.