The classical civilizations of Greece and Rome once dominated the world, and they continue to fascinate and inspire us. Classical art and architecture, drama and epic, philosophy and politics-these are the foundations of Western civilization. In The Classical World, eminent classicist Robin Lane Fox brilliantly chronicles this vast sweep of history from Homer to the reign of Hadrian. From the Peloponnesian War through the creation of Athenian democracy, from the turbulent empire of Alexander the Great to the creation of the Roman Empire and the emergence of Christianity, Fox serves as our witty and trenchant guide. He introduces us to extraordinary heroes and horrific villains, great thinkers and blood-thirsty tyrants. Throughout this vivid tour of two of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known, we remain in the hands of a great master.
Hadrian and the Classical World
Chapter 2. The Greeks’ Settlements
Chapter 5. Tyrants and Lawgivers
Chapter 10. The Western Greeks
Chapter 11. Conquest and Empire
Chapter 12. A Changing Greek Cultural World
Chapter 13. Pericles and Athens
Chapter 14. The Peloponnesian War
Chapter 16. Fighting for Freedom and Justice
Chapter 17. Women and Children
Chapter 19. The Two Philosophers
Chapter 20. Fourth-century Athenians
Chapter 21. Alexander the Great
Chapter 22. Alexander’s Early Successors
Chapter 23. Life in the Big Cities
Chapter 26. The Peace of the Gods
Chapter 27. Liberation in the South
Chapter 29. Diplomacy and Dominance
Chapter 30. Luxury and Licence
Chapter 31. Turbulence at Home and Abroad
Chapter 33. The World of Cicero
Chapter 34. The Rise of Julius Caesar
Chapter 35. The Spectre of Civil War
Chapter 36. The Fatal Dictator
Chapter 37. Liberation Betrayed
Chapter 38. Antony and Cleopatra
Chapter 39. The Making of the Emperor
Chapter 40. Morals and Society
Chapter 44. The Julio-Claudians
Chapter 45. Ruling the Provinces
Chapter 47. Christianity and Roman Rule
Chapter 48. Surviving Four Emperors
Chapter 50. The Last Days of Pompeii
Chapter 51. A New Man in Action
Chapter 52. A Pagan and Christians
Chapter 53. Regime Change, Home and Away
Chapter 54. Presenting the Past