Empire of ancient Greece
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 121-123) and index.

It is not an exaggeration to say that classical Greek civilization is the cornerstone of Western civilization today. The Greeks invented everything from logic and democracy to rhetoric, drama, and philosophy. Empire of the Early Greek World chronicles the remarkable legacy of the Greeks, as well as the diversity of their societies from the thriving democracy of Athens to the militarism of Sparta to the oligarchy of Thrace. It explores the conditions that made it possible for the ancient Greeks to develop a culture that set the foundation for our intellectual lives today, and explains why Greek power eventually declined. The book also looks at everyday life in ancient Greece, from the wealthy citizens who grappled in the Olympic arena to the farmers who found 50 different ways to use olive oil. Connections in our own world to the ancient Greeks are numerous, including the Olympics, much of our classical literature, the scientific method, architecture, and many English words.