The civilisation of the Ancient Greeks has been immensely influential on the language, politics, educational systems, philosophy, science and arts of Western culture. As well as instigating itself as the birthplace of the Olympics, Ancient Greece is famous for its literature, philosophy, mythology and the beautiful architecture- to which thousands of tourists flock every year.
This entertaining guide introduces readers to the amazing world of the Ancient Greeks. It offers a complete rundown of Greek history alongside fascinating insights into daily life in Ancient Greece and a captivating overview of Greek mythology. Readers will discover how this ancient culture came to be the cornerstone of Western civilisation and the enormous influence it has had on our language, politics, education, philosophy, science, arts and sport.
Chapter 1. When, Where, What, Who? Meeting the Ancient Greeks
Chapter 2. Encountering Prehistoric Civilisations: The Minoans and Mycenaeans
Chapter 3. Shedding Light on Ancient Greece's Dark Ages
Chapter 4. Governing by Kings, Tyrants, and (Eventually) Democrats
Chapter 5. Fighting and Warring: Greece Gets Heavy
Chapter 6. East versus West: The Persian Wars
Chapter 7. Athens and Empire Building
Chapter 8. Dealing with the Neighbours from Hell: The Peloponnesian War
Chapter 9. Losing Their Way: The End of Classical Greece
Chapter 10. Rising Quickly to the Top: Macedonia
Chapter 11. Crowning the Undefeated Champion of the World: Alexander the Great
Chapter 12. What Happened Next?
Chapter 13. Out in the Fields: Farming, Herding, and Travelling
Chapter 15. Going About Daily Life in Ancient Greece
Chapter 16. Plays and Pugilism: Enjoying Ancient Greek Entertainment
Chapter 17. Depicting Men, Women, and Gods in Art
Chapter 18. Building Beautiful Greek Architecture
Chapter 19. Going Back to the Beginning: Myths and Gods
Chapter 20. Blending Myth and History: Troy, Homer, and Heroes
Chapter 21. Practising Everyday Religion: 'A God Put It in My Heart to Say'
Chapter 22. Trying to Figure Everything Out: Greek Philosophy
Chapter 23. Ten Great Greek Inventions
Chapter 24. Ten Things to Read Next
Chapter 25. Ten Dodgy Ancient Greek Characters
Chapter 26. Ten Great Places to Visit