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This one-stop resource for information and examination of the ten most important topics and events in Ancient Greek history is an ideal student companion to a study of Greek civilization. Each chapter focuses on one topic or event and contains two essays: a clear, concise introduction to the event that presents complex, factual material in an easily understandable way, followed by an insightful interpretive essay by a recognized authority that explores the short-term and far-reaching ramifications of the event and encourages critical thinking. Chapters cover: Early Greek civilization; political revolutions and the development of ethnic Greek identity; the Olympic games and the rise of Greek religious institutions; Sparta and Athens; the Persian Wars; Athenian imperialism; the Peloponnesian War; the development of Greek philosophy; Makedonian conquests; and Hellenistic empires.
Each chapter features a full-page illustration of the event and an annotated bibliography that identifies the most important and recent scholarship about the event. Useful appendixes include a timeline of important events in Ancient Greece, a glossary of terms, and a list of Greek gods and goddesses. This resource is an ideal addition to the school and public library reference shelf and is also excellent for supplementary reading in courses on ancient history and culture.
List of contents
The First Greeks (18th-12th c. B.C.E.)
The Mycenaeans: Early Greek Civilization
The Archaic Age (8th-6th c. B.C.E.)
Epic Poetry, Polis and Tyranny: Political Revolutions and Development of Ethnic Greek Identity
The Olympic Games and the Rise of Greek Religious Institutions
Sparta and Athens: Political Conservatism and Political Experimentation
The Rise of Political and Cultural Imperialism (5th c. B.C.E.)
The Persian Wars
Athenian Imperialism and Cultural Expansion: The Delian League, the Parthenon, and Drama
The Peloponnesian War: The Challenge to Athens and Triumph of Sparta
Transition and Expansion of Empire (4th-1st c. B.C.E.)
The Death of Sokrates and Development of Greek Philosophy
Makedonian Conquests: Philip of Makedon and Alexander the Great
Hellenistic Empires: Spread of Greek Culture and Rule to the Death of Kleopatra
Appendix: Glossary of Terms
Appendix: Timeline of Events
Appendix: Greek Gods and Goddesses
About the author
BELLA VIVANTE is Associate Professor of Humanities at the University of Arizona./e In 2000-2001 she was Hennebach Visiting Professor in Humanities at the Colorado School of Mines. She has translated with notes Euripides' Helen in Women on the Edge: Four Plays by Euripides (1998) and is the editor of Women's Roles in Ancient Civilizations: A Reference Guide (Greenwood, 1999).
