A Dictionary of the Ancient Greek World [Paperback] Sacks, David; Murray, Oswyn and Bunson, Margaret

Product Description More than four thousand years ago, a warrior people invaded the rugged hills and fertile plains of the Balkan Peninsula. These people were the ancient Greeks, and their legacy to modern global society is immense. The Greeks invented democracy, narrative history writing, stage tragedy and comedy, philosophy, biological study, and political theory. They introduced the alphabet to European languages and they developed monumental styles of architecture still used throughout the United States for museums, courthouses, and other public buildings. They created a system of sports competitions and a cult of physical fitness, both of which we have inherited. In sculpture, they perfected the representation of the human body. In geometry, they developed theorems and terminology that are still taught in schools. They created the idea of national literature, with its recognized great writers and the libraries to preserve their work. And, perhaps what most people would think of first, the Greeks bequeathed to us their treasure trove of myths, including a hero who remains a favorite today―Hercules. A Dictionary of the Ancient Greek World assembles the people, places, events, and ideas of this spectacular civilization in one easy-to-use source. With over five hundred entries and more than seventy line-drawings, this essential A-Z reference covers every aspect of Greek civilization, from the beginning of Minoan civilization in the third millennium B.C. to the Roman annexation of mainland Greece in 146 B.C. Detailing not only the loftiest achievements of the Greeks but also the ordinary facets of their everyday life―from the philosophy of Plato to Greek sexual attitudes―this extraordinary compendium illuminates the vitality and genius of that influential culture. Review "Having a concise, ready-reference work like this on an ever popular topic is a plus."―Booklist"A lively, readable text....An excellent source for high school and undergraduate students."―Library Journal"[I]ncludes thorough coverage of military, political, and literary figures from the obvious...to the fairly obscure. These biographical entries are excellently lucid and entertaining....The [book] will serve as a particularly good public library or undergraduate college-level resource, far more detailed than a general encyclopedia and much more accessible to the general reader."―Voice of Youth Advocates"This readable, lively compendium of facts succeeds admirably in its goal of conveying only the "best information." The alphabetical entries are logical, comprehensive, and cross-indexed....Secondary school students with a curiosity about the ancient Western world could do no better than to start their explorations with this authoritative resource."―School Library Journal"A definitive reference....Excellent."―The Bookwatch About the Author David Sacks has an MA in Greek and Roman studies from Oxford University. His articles on cultural topics have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal, and Vanity Fair. Jersey.