A Dictionary of the Ancient Greek World

by David Sacks, Margaret Bunson (Illustrator), Oswyn Murray (Editor)

More than four thousand years ago, a warrior people invaded the rugged hills and fertile plains of the Balkan Peninsula. These people were the ancient Greeks, and their legacy to modern global society is immense. The Greeks invented democracy, narrative history writing, stage tragedy and comedy, philosophy, biological study, and political theory. They introduced the alphabet to European languages and they developed monumental styles of architecture still used throughout the United States for museums, courthouses, and other public buildings. They created a system of sports competitions and a cult of physical fitness, both of which we have inherited. In sculpture, they perfected the representation of the human body. In geometry, they developed theorems and terminology that are still taught in schools. They created the idea of national literature, with its recognized great writers and the libraries to preserve their work. And, perhaps what most people would think of first, the
Greeks bequeathed to us their treasure trove of myths, including a hero who remains a favorite today--Hercules.
A Dictionary of the Ancient Greek World assembles the people, places, events, and ideas of this spectacular civilization in one easy-to-use source. With over five hundred entries and more than seventy line-drawings, this essential A-Z reference covers every aspect of Greek civilization, from the beginning of Minoan civilization in the third millennium B.C. to the Roman annexation of mainland Greece in 146 B.C. Detailing not only the loftiest achievements of the Greeks but also the ordinary facets of their everyday life--from the philosophy of Plato to Greek sexual attitudes--this extraordinary compendium illuminates the vitality and genius of that influential culture.

Genres: History, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

American linguist living in Canada.

Reviews

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good reference work for understanding the ancient Greek world. The entries are not overly long or technical and so are helpful for the layperson looking for the right information.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference.

[Kylin Larsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This encyclopedia has everything in it you could ever want to know about Greek life. It has the majority of myths and lots of interesting minutia about Greek life.