Synopsis
Long sources of mystery, imagination, and inspiration, the myths and history of the ancient Mediterranean have given rise to artistic, religious, cultural, and intellectual traditions that span the centuries. In this unique and comprehensive introduction to the region's three major civilizations, Egypt, Greece, and Rome draws a fascinating picture of the deep links between the cultures across the Mediterranean and explores the ways in which these civilizations continue to be influential to this day.
Beginning with the emergence of the earliest Egyptian civilization around 3500 BC, Charles Freeman follows the history of the Mediterranean over a span of four millennia to AD 600, beyond the fall of the Roman empire in the west to the emergence of the Byzantine empire in the east. In addition to the three great civilizations, the peoples of the Ancient Near East and other lesser-known cultures such as the Etruscans, Celts, Persians, and Phoenicians are explored. The author examines the art, architecture, philosophy, literature, and religious practices of each culture, set against its social, political, and economic background. More than an overview of the primary political or military events,Egypt, Greece, and Rome pays particular attention to the actual lives of both the everyday person and the aristocracy: Here is history brought to life. Especially striking are the readable and stimulating profiles of key individuals throughout the ancient world, covering persons from Homer to Horace, the Pharaoh Akhenaten to the emperor Augustus, Alexander the Great to Julius Caesar, Jesus to Justinian, and Aristotle to Augustine.
Generously illustrated in both color and black-and-white, and drawing on the most up-to-date scholarship,Egypt, Greece, and Rome is a superb introduction for anyone seeking a better understanding of the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean and their legacy to the West.
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Review
'This book is not only enjoyable but comprehensive in its description of the richness and complexity of the classical past.' Anglo-Hellenic Review 'It is impossible not to be impressed by the author's sheer staying-power ... this is a triumph of tenacity; a skilful exercise in the compression of the past ... No one can deny Freeman's enthusiasm and his concern that a survey volume ... "provide the springboard into further study of these fascinating societies."' TLS 'There is so much that is impressive about this book, and for so many different levels of experience and subject requirement ... a wide-ranging book, suitable for a wide range of students.' JACT Review
About the Author
About the Author: Charles Freeman is a freelance writer living in the United Kingdom. He has been described as "full of the romance of archeology and the people who created it, and full of curiosity about the human side of the ancient world."
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