Socrates in the Agora

Agora Picture Books

by Mabel Lang

As far as we know, the 5th-century B.C. Greek philosopher Socrates himself wrote nothing. We discover his thoughts and deeds entirely through the writings of his followers, disciples who accompanied him on his walks through the Athenian Agora and engaged in dialogue with him in the Stoa Basileios. Rather than examining his ideas in abstract, this stimulating little book aims to place Socrates in his physical setting, using textual references to follow his progress through the material remains that have been uncovered by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens since 1931. The author not only sheds new light on the great philosopher’s life, but also provides a vivid reconstruction, through following the career of one of its most famous citizens, of daily life at the center of classical Athens.

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1978

Reviews

[Josh Swinscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short read, only 32 pages, and every single one has a picture to help portay the time and what is being dealt with which I liked. Talks about how Socrates spent alot of time in the Agora and how eventually it was somewhat fitting that the Agora of politics would sentence him to death. Overall, quick read, and a good one, would recommend.