Description
From the mid-sixth to the mid-fourth century BCE a nexus of connections to Thrace defined the careers of several of Athens' most prominent figures, including Pisistratus, Miltiades, Alcibiades and Iphicrates. This book explores the importance of Thrace to these individuals and its resulting significance in the political, cultural and social history of Athens. Thrace was vitally important for Athens thanks to its natural resources and access to strategic waterways, which were essential to a maritime empire, and connections to the area conferred wealth and military influence on certain Athenians and offered them a refuge if they faced political persecution at home. However, Thrace's importance to prominent individuals transcended politics: its culture was also an important draw. Thrace was a world free of Athenian political, social and cultural constraints - one that bore a striking resemblance to the world of Homeric epic.
This book explores the social, political and cultural importance of Thrace to prominent Athenian individuals from the mid-sixth to the mid-fourth century BCE.
About the Author
Matthew A. Sears is Theodore Bedrick Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. His articles have appeared in Classical World, Hesperia and Mouseion.
Reviews
'This is a book well worth reading, for the importance of the topic, the marshalling of a rich array of evidence, the good discussions of politicians or generals with Thracian connections and their impact, and likewise, the importance of Thracian mercenaries and military tactics. All will give much food for thought to the reader and provoke discussion and further work.' Lisa Kallet, The Classical Review
'A worthwhile read for anyone interested in Athens or in cross cultural influences in the ancient world.' A. A. Nofi, The NYMAS Review
'Matthew Sears has written a stimulating book about the interaction between Athens and Thrace ... overall this is a book that makes a convincing case for the historical significance of Greek-Barbarian interactions.' Greece and Rome
Book Information
ISBN 9781107030534
Author Matthew A. Sears
Format Hardback
Page Count 341
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 690g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 158mm * 27mm
This book explores the social, political and cultural importance of Thrace to prominent Athenian individuals from the mid-sixth to the mid-fourth century BCE.
About the Author
Matthew A. Sears is Theodore Bedrick Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. His articles have appeared in Classical World, Hesperia and Mouseion.
Reviews
'This is a book well worth reading, for the importance of the topic, the marshalling of a rich array of evidence, the good discussions of politicians or generals with Thracian connections and their impact, and likewise, the importance of Thracian mercenaries and military tactics. All will give much food for thought to the reader and provoke discussion and further work.' Lisa Kallet, The Classical Review
'A worthwhile read for anyone interested in Athens or in cross cultural influences in the ancient world.' A. A. Nofi, The NYMAS Review
'Matthew Sears has written a stimulating book about the interaction between Athens and Thrace ... overall this is a book that makes a convincing case for the historical significance of Greek-Barbarian interactions.' Greece and Rome
Book Information
ISBN 9781107030534
Author Matthew A. Sears
Format Hardback
Page Count 341
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 690g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 158mm * 27mm
