Overview
Ancient Greece brings the Golden Age of Greece (5th century BCE)--the era of Socrates, Plato, Pericles, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Herodotus--to life. It does so through covering such topics as: geography, farming, education, slaves, festivals, religion, the city and politics, war, science and medicine, sports and games, theater, music and crafts. Using artifacts, such as ceramics, medical tools or a piece of clothing, geographical sites, and archaeological evidence, this book looks at the past in a new and exciting way. By showing in simple graphic terms how ancient buildings and objects were actually used, and by providing examples of numerous everyday objects, Ancient Greece makes the distant past come to life.
Each two-page spread covers a different topic. Text, photographs, illustrations, archaeology information boxes and time-lines are used to great affect. Captions and diagramming also are used to relate the different elements of the presentation, and each spread contains a link to an authoritative website for further information. A full chronology of the political and social history of ancient Greece, as well as a glossary and an index are included.
Informative and amply illustrated, Ancient Greece is sure to engage and spur further interest.
The Picturing the Past Series:
How do we know what we know about ancient peoples and their cultures that have disappeared? Ultimately, there are three main sources of information: the images that survive in wall paintings, ceramics and sculptures; artifacts, such a jewelry, utensils, toys, clothing, and tools; and the writings of ancient authors that have survived the ravagesof time. From such sources, it is possible to begin to reconstruct the life of the distant past with an astonishing degree of accuracy.
Editorials
Children's Literature
This is a well-illustrated title in a series of short pictorial reference books about ancient civilizations from Enchanted Lion Books. The author is a trained archaeologist who specializes in writing for children. His explanations of such facets of ancient Athenian life as drama, democracy, sports or war are simple and straightforward. Also, Malam clearly indicates what archaeological artifacts or sites have contributed to modern understanding of these subjects. Each aspect of Greek life is illustrated by colorful drawings and relevant photographs. Websites for more detailed information are suggested. A somewhat quixotic glossary is included, as well as a timeline and bibliography. This book would be a useful introductory resource to life in the Classical Era of Athens for the elementary school classroom or library. 2004, Enchanted Lion Books, Ages 8 to 12.—Michele Tremaine