Classical Athens boasted some of the most original and influential achievements in literature, art, philosophy, medicine and politics. This best-selling book, now issued in a second edition, provides a comprehensive and highly illustrated introduction to its history, society, culture and values aimed at the student and the general reader. The text has been extensively revised from the first edition and the bibliography updated. A wide range of topics is discussed, but the book refuses to divide up the Athenian world neatly into separate compartments, insisting that sense can only be made of the society by making connections between its history, institutions, values and environment. The book can be used either on its own or as an accompaniment to students learning Greek with the Reading Greek course.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. An outline history of Athens to the death of Alexander the Great; 2. Environment and settlement of Athens and Attike; 3. Gods and festivals; 4. Human obligations, values and concerns; 5. Athenian society; 6. Athenian democracy and imperialism; 7. Athens at war; 8. The culture of Athens; 9. Postscript: the world of Athens and other worlds.