Greece: History And Treasures Of An Ancient Civilization

Like the other Sasek classics, this is a facsimile edition of the original, first published in 1966. The illustrations have been meticulously preserved and the facts updated for the twenty-first century. The charming illustrations, coupled with Sasek's playful narrative, make perfect souvenirs that will delight both children and parents. This is Greece captures the flavor and tradition of the birthplace of Western civilization. There's Athens, with its spectacular views of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, temples, theaters, and marketplaces; architecture-renowned Corinth; Mycenae, inhabited since 3000 B.C.; Olympia, home of the gods; Delphi, famous for its legendary oracle; and the beautiful isles. There's also modern-day Greece, where life is lived on street corners, in squares, and at tables amid reminders of the past.

This lavishly illustrated volume invites readers to delve into the source of the oldest and most authentic roots of Western civilization, and to immerse themselves in the world of the ancient Greeks-their historical development, cultural horizons, art, and architecture. Hundreds of photographs, aerial views, three-dimensional reconstructions, and details of artifacts reveal the groundbreaking genius of this remarkable civilization. From Minos to the Roman conquest, historical milestones in Greek civilization are examined in an authoritative yet accessible text that presents the most up-to-date findings on the development of Greek art, architecture, and religion. Encompassing its artistic and architectural legacy, military victories, aspects of everyday life, and its inevitable decline, this volume is at once meticulously researched and highly engaging, presenting a well-rounded perspective on the breadth of Greek culture. Chapters include: The Origins of Ancient Greece, The Rise of Greece, Greek Dark Ages: Social and Political Conflicts, The Dominance of Athens, The Rise of Macedon, The Conquest of Alexander, and Greek Society.