Athens

In this engaging and readable narrative, noted classicist and author Robin Waterfield traces the life and history of the city of Athens, with an emphasis on the classical period when, in the space of a century, Athens reached the pinnacle of its power and fell due to arrogance and shortsighted self-interest. Focusing on Athens' social and cultural history, as well as on the powerful and fascinating individuals who left their mark on the city, Waterfield explains Athens' rise and fall, and shows us how-through centuries of war, occupation, and destruction-Athens emerged as a burgeoning modern European city. For over two millennia, the memory of the city's glorious past has ensured that Athens remains synonymous with democracy, civilization, and culture.

First sentence: ONCE EVERY FOUR YEARS, FROM THE TRADITIONAL, THOUGH PROBABLY not authentic, starting date of 776 BCE, men from all over the Greek world, from Spain to the north African coast to the Black Sea, converged on Olympia.

Year

2004

Language

English

Publisher

Basic Books

Editions

3

Pages

320

ISBN

9780465090631

Data source: Wikidata