The Ancient Greeks History and Culture from Archaic Times to the Death of Alexander

The Ancient Greeks: History and Culture from Archaic Times to the Death of Alexander offers students a comprehensive introduction to the history and culture of the ancient Greek world for the period c.800-323 BC. It provides critical background to the key historical developments of the time: the Persian Wars, the rise of Athens and its empire in the 5th century and the subsequent Peloponnesian War, and the emergence of Macedon as a world power under Philip and Alexander. A chapter dedicated to Sparta provides students with crucial understanding of this important but enigmatic kingdom. However, The Ancient Greeks moves beyond political history to include social sections on women, religion and slaves, offering extensive coverage of the social and religious environment.

The book is lavishly illustrated, with over 150 maps, illustrations and photographs, and includes a chronological table and glossary of key terms. With close referencing to Ancient Greece: Social and Historical Documents from Archaic Times to the Death of Alexander (third edition) and accompanied by a companion website, this volume provides invaluable support for students of ancient Greek history and civilization, and offers a comprehensive introduction for the interested reader.

1. The polis: the Greek city-state 2. Colonisation 3. Religion in the Greek world 4. Women, sexuality, and the family 5. Labour: slaves, serfs and citizens 6. Sparta 7. Tyrants and tyranny 8. The law-givers of Athens: Drakon and Solon 9. Peisistratos and his sons 10. Kleisthenes the reformer 11. The Persian Wars 12. The Delian League and the Pentekontaetia 13. The Peloponnesian War and its aftermath 14. The rise of Macedon 15. Alexander 'the Great' of Macedon, 336-323 BC

Matthew Dillon is Associate Professor of Ancient History, School of Humanities, University of New England, Australia. His main research interests are ancient Greek history and religion.

Lynda Garland is a Professor and Head of the School of Humanities, The University of New England, Australia. Her main research interests are in the areas of ancient history and Byzantine Studies.