With fresh, new translations and extensive introductions and annotations, this sourcebook provides an inclusive and integrated view of Greek history, from Homer to Alexander the Great. New translations of original sources are contextualized by insightful introductions and annotations Includes a range of literary, artistic and material evidence from the Homeric, Archaic and Classical Ages Focuses on important developments as well as specific themes to create an integrated perspective on the period Links the political and social history of the Greeks to their intellectual accomplishments Includes an up-to-date bibliography of seminal scholarship An accompanying website offers additional evidence and explanations, as well as links to useful online resources
Discussing the background, weapons and tactics of the ancient Greeks, this title describes the weapons, armour, chariots and other military equipment used from 1550 to 150 BC. It traces how and when various pieces of equipment came into use; where they were introduced from; the effectiveness of the equipment; and when and why things changed.
Most classical authors and modern historians depict the ancient Greek world as essentially stable and even static, once the so-called colonization movement came to an end. But Robert Garland argues that the Greeks were highly mobile, that their movement was essential to the survival, success, and sheer sustainability of their society, and that this wandering became a defining characteristic of their culture. Addressing a neglected but essential subject, Wandering Greeks focuses on the diaspora of tens of thousands of people between about 700 and 325 BCE, demonstrating the degree to which Greeks were liable to be forced to leave their homes due to political upheaval, oppression, poverty, warfare, or simply a desire to better themselves. Attempting to enter into the mind-set of these wanderers, the book provides an insightful and sympathetic account of what it meant for ancient Greeks to part from everyone and everything they held dear, to start a new life elsewhere—or even to become homeless, living on the open road or on the high seas with no end to their journey in sight. Each chapter identifies a specific kind of "wanderer," including the overseas settler, the deportee, the evacuee, the asylum-seeker, the fugitive, the economic migrant, and the itinerant, and the book also addresses repatriation and the idea of the "portable polis." The result is a vivid and unique portrait of ancient Greece as a culture of displaced persons.
Combined Arms Warfare in Ancient Greece examines the timelines of military developments that led from the hoplite-based armies of the ancient Greeks to the hugely successful and multi-faceted armies of Philip II, Alexander the Great, and his Successors. It concentrates on the introduction and development of individual units and their tactical coordination and use in battle in what is termed "combined arms": the effective integration of different unit types into one cohesive battle plan and army allowing each unit to focus on its strengths without having to worry about its weaknesses. This volume traces the development, and argues for the vital importance, of the use of combined arms in Greek warfare from the Archaic period onwards, especially concerning the Macedonian hegemony, through to its developmental completion in the form of fully "integrated warfare" at the battle of Ipsus in 301 BCE. It argues crucially that warfare should never be viewed in isolation in individual states, regions, conflicts or periods but taken as a collective whole tracing the mutual influence of other cultures and the successful innovations that always result. Wrightson analyses Greek and Macedonian warfare through the lens of modern military theoretical terminology, making this study accessible to those with a general interest in military history as well as those studying this specific period.
The great helmsman, the watchdog of the people, the medicine the state needs: all these images originated in ancient Greece, yet retain the capacity to influence an audience today. This is the first systematic study of political imagery in ancient Greek literature, history and thought, tracing it from its appearance, influenced by Near Eastern precursors, in Homer and Hesiod, to the end of the classical period and Plato's deployment of images like the helmsman and the doctor in the service of his political philosophy. The historical narrative is complemented by thematic studies of influential complexes of images such as the ship of state, the shepherd of the people, and the state as a household, and enhanced by parallels from later literature and history which illustrate the persistence of Greek concepts in later eras.
The most comprehensive and up-to-date work available on ancient Macedonian history and material culture, A Companion to Ancient Macedonia is an invaluable reference for students and scholars alike. Features new, specially commissioned essays by leading and up-and-coming scholars in the field Examines the political, military, social, economic, and cultural history of ancient Macedonia from the Archaic period to the end of Roman period and beyond Discusses the importance of art, archaeology and architecture All ancient sources are translated in English Each chapter includes bibliographical essays for further reading
See Through History is a series of information books for 8-12 year olds. Each book is packed with information, quotations and captions providing a thorough description of the times. This book explores Ancient Greece. Each book in the series features acetate-based cutaway illustrations.
A Political, Social, and Cultural History is a comprehensive and balanced history, covering the political, military, social, cultural, and economic history of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic Era.
'Another triumph from a master storyteller.' Alistair Forrest, author of Nest of Vipers Greece. Circa 1190 BCE. The Greek world is in turmoil as Agamemnon prepares for war against Troy. His friends and allies scour the cities and islands, demanding that lesser kings supply armies to join him in his approaching conflict but all too many fear a lengthy campaign will destroy their countries and cost them their thrones. Meanwhile a merchant's son, beaten and crippled during a robbery on the dockside in Troy is trying to make a living as an apprentice rhapsode in the port city of Aulis, singing songs of the great heroes of an earlier generation. Passing through Aulis on his way to Phthia in search of Prince Achilles, who he plans to recruit along with his army of Myrmidons, King Odysseus of Ithaca conscripts the young rhapsode onto his crew. Odysseus and his young associate travel from the city of Phthia to the island of Skyros searching for Achilles. But as they do so they find themselves confronted by a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to prevent them completing their mission. So, as the campaign against Troy turns on their success or failure, Odysseus and his young rhapsode must solve a series of murders and attempted and stay alive themselves - long enough to find and recruit Achilles to Agamemnon's cause. The first book in a new series, from the author of the bestselling series Caesar's Spies. Recommended for fans of Steven Saylor, Lindsey Davis and CJ Samson. Peter Tonkin was born in Ulster, Northern Ireland and was raised in the UK, Holland, Germany, and the Persian Gulf. The son of an RAF officer, Tonkin spent much of his youth travelling the world from one posting to another. He is the author of the Richard Mariner Thriller Collection, Caesar's Spies and the Tom Musgrave Mysteries. 'Homer meets Holmes in this delightful twist on the Iliad. Through the eyes of a young rhapsode, playing Watson to Odysseus's Sherlock, the murder mystery unfurls amid the build-up to the legendary Trojan war. Tonkin has managed to weave a story that remains true to the spirit of the original myths but keeps the reader guessing. With the stage set for further fun as the ancient detective double-act continues on towards Troy, a series of entertaining stories has only just begun.' Peter Sandham, author of the Porphy Novels Praise for Peter Tonkin: 'Riveting tale full of fast action.' Publishers Weekly 'Good technical detail, plus an exciting climax, makes this entertaining reading.' Publishing News 'A welcome aura of old-fashioned expertise.' Publishers Weekly 'A good thriller, recommended.' Library Journal 'Tonkin is a superb storyteller who creates big, brash, swashbuckling adventures with taut suspense, fast-paced action and tough, resourceful characters.' Booklist 'Equals the best of James Clavell.' Daily Telegraph 'A master of sea-going adventure. Enough taut suspense to satisfy any reader.' Clive Cussler 'Good technical detail, plus an exciting climax, makes this entertaining reading.' Publishing News 'Edge-of-the-seat terror on the high seas.' Daily Post