The smooth functioning of an ordered society depends on the possession of a means of regularising its activities over time. That means is a calendar, and its regularity is a function of how well it models the more or less regular movements of the celestial bodies - of the moon, the sun or the stars. Greek and Roman Calendars examines the ancient calendar as just such a time-piece, whose elements are readily described in astronomical and mathematical terms. The story of these calendars is one of a continuous struggle to maintain a correspondence with the regularity of the seasons and the...
The smooth functioning of an ordered society depends on the possession of a means of regularising its activities over time. That means is a calenda...
This account traces each stage of the critical struggle between the Persian Empire and the early Greek states, from the first clashes to the miraculous return home of 10,000 Greek mercenaries stranded in the heart of Persia. Carefully examined sources and placing events within their geographical and historical contexts, the author attempts to define cultural and political differences between the two peoples. His balanced, questioning approach places fresh emphasis on the Persian perspective and will provide an accessible and informed introduction to the period.
This account traces each stage of the critical struggle between the Persian Empire and the early Greek states, from the first clashes to the miracu...
Aristophanes, the Athenian comic dramatist, remains popular despite historical changes in attitude and belief. Placing the plays in their total civic, religious and dramatic context, this account explores their significance for contemporary audiences, and their continuing appeal. Separate chapters address aspects of his work and world, and attempt to outline the playwright's own opinions at a time of intense political debate. With original texts quoted in translation, this comprehensive and lively study provides students with an invaluable insight into the plays and their place in...
Aristophanes, the Athenian comic dramatist, remains popular despite historical changes in attitude and belief. Placing the plays in their total civ...
A clearly structured discussion of all the major buildings constructed by the Greeks, from houses to temples, theatres to council buildings. The book describes particular architectural styles and features and sets the buildings in their context, with an evaluation of their purpose, siting and planning.
A clearly structured discussion of all the major buildings constructed by the Greeks, from houses to temples, theatres to council buildings. Th...
This introductory book in the Classical World series, aimed at late school and early university students, focuses on the colourful period of the Peisistratid tyranny in Athens. During these exciting years the great festivals were established, monumental buildings were erected, the population grew rapidly and there was lively progress in all the arts. This study considers the artistic, archaeological and literary evidence for the period. Athens is seen largely through the eyes of Herodotus, the 'Father of History', and we can observe the foundations being laid for the growth of democracy in...
This introductory book in the Classical World series, aimed at late school and early university students, focuses on the colourful period of the Pe...
'The dark, unrelenting Tiberius, the furious Caligula, the feeble Claudius, the profligate and cruel Nero..are condemned to everlasting Infamy' wrote Gibbon. This 'infamy' has inspired the work of historians and novelists from Roman times to the present.
This book summarises political events during the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero, and the civil wars of the 'year of four emperors'. It considers too the extent to which social factors influenced the imperial household.
Assuming no knowledge of Latin and drawing on material including inscriptions and coins,...
'The dark, unrelenting Tiberius, the furious Caligula, the feeble Claudius, the profligate and cruel Nero..are condemned to everlasting Infamy' wro...
This wide ranging introductory book surveys the topic of morals and values from the Minoans to the Christians. Each chapter ends with extracts from the relevant literature and comments upon them, providing a useful focus for discussion.
'It is hard not to be impressed by the author's range, confidence, ease of summary and judgement ...' I. McAuslan, Greece & Rome
This wide ranging introductory book surveys the topic of morals and values from the Minoans to the Christians. Each chapter ends with extracts from...
In the ancient world Homer was recognised as the fountainhead of culture. His poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, were universally admired as examples of great literature which could never be surpassed. In this study, Richard Jenkyns re-examines the two Homeric epics and the work that is perhaps their closest rival, the Aeneid of Virgil. A wide range of topics is covered, including chapters on heroism and tragedy in the Iliad, morality in the Odyssey and Virgil's skilful reworking of elements from the two earlier epics.
Essential reading for those who are unfamiliar with the works of...
In the ancient world Homer was recognised as the fountainhead of culture. His poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, were universally admired as example...
Starting from the conviction that Latin literature gains from being viewed as performance, the author sees the creation of different characters or "masks" in Latin literature as a result of the Greco-Roman training in rhetoric. She treats the texts of Roman satire as drama and focuses on the characters whose voices are heared in these performances: the angry satirist, the mocking satirist and the smiling satirist. She goes on to explore the implications of the use of these "masks" for authors and audiences of satire.
Starting from the conviction that Latin literature gains from being viewed as performance, the author sees the creation of different characters or ...
Roman Britain seeks to introduce the history of Rome's involvement with Britain in a succinct and readable way, providing an overview of the country's already diverse culture before the advent of the legions; tracing the historical development of the province under Rome and how the Romans maintained their hold on it; and tackling topics such as administration, development of the towns and countryside, religion and art.
Roman Britain seeks to introduce the history of Rome's involvement with Britain in a succinct and readable way, providing an overview of t...
