In selecting the illustrations for this volume the main considerations have been to exemplify the material on which the arguments in the text are based and to show pieces of particular artistic or technical merit.

This volume is in part a complement to The Cambridge Ancient History Volumes 5 and 6, but it has also been designed as an independent work that can serve any reader with an interest in the art and archaeology of the period. There are over 300 illustrated items, each with a commentary on its subject and significance. Major sections treat art and architecture; the rest are oriented to subjects on which archaeology rather than texts sheds light: the economy and trade, social and civic life in Athens, religion, the theater, warfare and coinage.