How and why did the Greek city-states come into being? The study of Greece in the Archaic period is changing due to new discoveries and interpretations. The 14 essays presented here explore many aspects of this rapidly changing world. The essays detail re-interpretations of archaeological material, emphasize the diversity in patterns of settlement, sancturies and burial practices of the Greek-speaking world and trace the complex trends and motivations underlying the expanding exchange of goods and the settlement of new communities. Local studies of archaeology and iconography revise our image of the peculiarity of Spartan society, and texts, from Homer and Hesiod to a newly discovered poem of Simonides, are given fresh interpretations, as are significant developments in maritime warfare, the roles of literacy and law-making in Crete, the emergence of a less violent lifestyle and the articulation of rational political thought.

How and why did the Greek city-states come into being? The collection of 14 essays presented in this book explore aspects of the rapidly changing Greek world during the archaic period. Essays cover such topics as diversity in patterns of settlement, burial practices and contemporary texts.

About the Author
Nick Fisher is the author of Hybris: A Study in the Values of Honour and Shame in Ancient Greece. Hans van Wees is author of Status Warriors: War, Violence and Society in Homer and History.


Book Information
ISBN 9781914535314
Author Nick Fisher
Format Paperback
Page Count 480
Imprint Classical Press of Wales
Publisher Classical Press of Wales