Best of
Ancient

2009

Lords of the Sea: The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy


John R. Hale - 2009
    It engineered a civilization, empowered the world's first democracy, and led a band of ordinary citizens on a voyage of discovery that altered the course of history. With Lords of the Sea, renowned archaeologist John R. Hale presents, for the first time, the definitive history of the epic battles, the fearsome ships, and the men – from extraordinary leaders to seductive rogues – that established Athens's supremacy. With a scholar's insight and a storyteller's flair, Hale takes us on an unforgettable voyage with these heroes, their turbulent careers, and far-flung expeditions, bringing back to light a forgotten maritime empire and its majestic legacy.

Legionary: The Roman Soldier's (Unofficial) Manual


Philip Matyszak - 2009
    Yet the might of Rome rests completely on the armored shoulders of the legionaries who hold back the barbarian hordes and push forward the frontiers of empire.This carefully researched yet entertainingly nonacademic book tells you how to join the Roman legions, the best places to serve, and how to keep your armor from getting rusty. Learn to march under the eagles of Rome, from training, campaigns, and battle to the glory of a Roman Triumph and retirement with a pension plan. Every aspect of army life is discussed, from drill to diet, with handy tips on topics such as how to select the best boots or how to avoid being skewered by enemy spears. Combining the latest archaeological discoveries with the written records of those who actually saw the Roman legions in action, this book provides a vivid picture of what it meant to be a Roman legionary.

The Complete Poems of Sappho


Willis Barnstone - 2009
    

The Scriptures


Institute for Scripture Research - 2009
    This translation differs significantly from most common English translations in that it has restored the original book order of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Tanakh, and restored the Name of the Most High, (יהוה) throughout.

The Mythology Handbook: An Introduction to the Greek Myths


Hestia Evans - 2009
    flaps. maps. stickers. eight hero and monster cards. fact files on beasts and heroes. many heroic and monstrous activities

Action Philosophers!: the lives and thoughts of history's A-list brain trust


Fred Van Lente - 2009
    These are not just great thinkers they also make great comics. Action Philosophers details the lives and thoughts of history's A-list brain trust in hip and humorous comic book fashion. All nine issues of the award-winning, best-selling comic book series have been collected into a single volume, making this a comprehensive cartoon history of ideas from pre-Socratics to Jacques Derrida, including four new stories. ""You'll never have more fun getting the real scoop on the big ideas that have made the world the mess we live in today!"" — Tom Morris (Author of Philosophy for Dummies, If Aristotle Ran General Motors, and If Harry Potter Ran General Electric).

The Long Shadow of the Ancient Greek World


Ian Worthington - 2009
    - from the emergence of Greece at the end of the Dark Ages to the final disintegration of Greek autonomy through the Macedonian kings Philip II and Alexander the Great.These 48 riveting lectures tell the story of ancient Greek institutions and the people who molded them during the Archaic and Classical periods.Concentrating on the city-states of mainland Greece, with a special focus on Athens, Professor Worthington guides through some of history's most hard-fought struggles - from armed conflicts (such as the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, and the campaigns of Alexander the Great) to political and social struggles (including the late 6th-century civil war in Athens that pitted nobles against the lower classes and eventually produced the first stirrings of democracy).As you explore innovative Athenian approaches to democracy, law, and empire, you discover how these approaches served as the bedrock for ideas and practices that you live with every day. You also encounter a wealth of intriguing links to many of our own contemporary institutions and attitudes about democracy, law, and empire.By the end of Professor Worthington's final captivating lecture, you discover that there was nothing inevitable about democracy, the Western concept of justice, or any of the other traditions and institutions that now play such central roles in the politics of the modern Western world. The story of how this tentative structure transformed into the firm foundation of our contemporary world is gripping, enlightening, and immensely rewarding.

The Teaching of Epictetus Being the 'Encheiridion of Epictetus,' with Selections from the 'Dissertations' and 'Fragments'


Epictetus - 2009
    You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Remembering the Roman People: Essays on Late-Republican Politics and Literature


T.P. Wiseman - 2009
    So why is it always assumed that the republic was an oligarchy? The main reason is that most of what we know about it we know from Cicero, a great man and a great writer, but also an active right-wing politician who took it for granted that what was good for a small minority of self-styled 'best people' (optimates) was good for the republic as a whole. T. P. Wiseman interprets the last century of the republic on the assumption that the People had a coherent political ideology of its own, and that the optimates, with their belief in justified murder, were responsible for the breakdown of the republic in civil war.

Roman Military Dress


Graham Sumner - 2009
    Graham Sumner’s book redresses this balance, presenting in an informative and accessible way the evidence for the types of clothing utilized by the Roman soldier. With full scale color illustrations drawn by the author, who is an experienced historical illustrator, along with patterns and diagrams of clothing finds and information on the latest archaeological studies, this book provides a comprehensive insight into the development of the Roman soldier’s uniform from the Late Republic to the advent of the Byzantine Empire.

Roman Conquests: Macedonia And Greece


Philip Matyszak - 2009
    While Rome was struggling for her very survival against the Carthaginians in the Second Punic War, Philip V of Macedon attempted to take advantage of their apparent vulnerability by allying with Hannibal and declaring war. For the time being the Romans negated this threat by shrewd use of allies to keep Philip occupied in Greece and Illyria. Once Carthage was defeated, however, the Romans were free to turn their full attention to settling the score. The stage was set for the clash of two of the most successful military systems of the ancient world, the Roman legions versus the Macedonian phalanx. Though sorely tested, the legions emerged victorious from the epic battles of Cynoscephelae and Pydna, and the home of Alexander the Great fell under the power of Rome, along with the rest of Greece, the cradle of Western Civilization, which had a profound effect on Roman culture and society.Like the other volumes in this series, this book gives a clear narrative of the course of these wars, explaining how the Roman war machine coped with formidable new foes and the challenges of unfamiliar terrain and climate. Specially commissioned color plates bring the main troop types vividly to life in meticulously researched detail.REVIEWS..". a well written summary of historical events...very useful guide... Philip Matyszak has undertaken no simple task in presenting such an outline of the turmoil and embittered diplomacy of the period. The question is whether he's managed to maintain his usual standard in the face of such complexity. He succeeds by something of a literary photo finish."UNRV, 04/2010

The First and Second Books of Adam and Eve: The Conflict with Satan


Joseph B. Lumpkin - 2009
    For those interested in Angels and Demons, the dialog and tactics of Satan, in his quest to destroy mankind, will be of special value. For serious students of religion and religious history, this book is a must-have.In these pages we are confronted with the Genesis story enriched with details and new information. In this ancient script there is a central and universal question – and a singular answer.How can we know if the circumstance, situation, or even the person in our life is an appointment of God or Satan?If you are one of the millions of people who believe in an evil entity who is at war with God for the souls of mankind, this question is one of the most important of your life. It defines and clarifies if you are being obedient to God or being deceived by Satan. Is it possible to know? According to the text we can.Be sure to read other books by Joseph Lumpkin, such as "The Books of Enoch," "Jubilees," "Jasher," "Fallen Angels," and many others.

Gladiator: Rome’s Bloody Spectacle


Konstantin Nossov - 2009
    This detailed, highly readable guide introduces readers to every aspect of the gladiator phenomenon: from the types of equipment the different classes of gladiator used-to the high place these sportsman came to occupy with the popular culture of the time.Nossov provides readers with a breathtaking tour of Gladiator customs. At the beginning of their 800-year existence in the 4th century BC, gladiatorial games served as a solemn funeral rite to honor high-born citizens. From the height of their popularity to their decline, they were the equivalent of a multi-billion dollar industry--run by entrepreneurs and highly regulated by the government. Nossov shows how, with few exceptions, Roman leaders embraced the spectacle and how over the centuries new events such as mortal combat with animals and full-scale naval battles were added to the games.Using updated research that has never before appeared in English, Nossov's chapter on the everyday life and social status of gladiators will surprise many readers. Despite the persistent myth that Gladiators were treated as expendable refuse by their Roman handlers, Nossov demonstrates that the reality was much more nuanced. The professional gladiator pool was comprised primarily of highly-trained men (and, for a time, women) who volunteered for the arena. In return for a long-term contract with a local games master, these athletes would earn an annual salary hundreds of times greater than an ordinary person. And slaves who were willing to become gladiators could earn their freedom with as few as four wins. These athletes lived communal lives together and trained year round for events that occurred no more than seasonally. As Nossov shows, being a professional gladiator was not much different from the lifestyle of a modern professional football player or boxer.Since the advent of the 2000 film, Gladiator, and the HBO series, Rome, interest in gladiators is running at an all-time high. Nossov's comprehensive treatment of this enigmatic yet persistently popular phenomenon is sure to delight and enlighten readers everywhere.

Rome and the Distant East: Trade Routes to the Ancient Lands of Arabia, India and China


Raoul McLaughlin - 2009
    Ancient sources reveal that after the Augustan conquest of Egypt, valued commodities from India, Arabia and China became increasingly available to Roman society. These sources describe how Roman traders went far beyond the frontiers of their Empire, travelling on overland journeys and maritime voyages to acquire the silk, spices and aromatics of the remote East.Records from ancient China, early India and a range of significant archaeological discoveries provide further evidence for these commercial contacts. Truly global in its scope, this study is the first comprehensive enquiry into the extent of this trade and its wider significance to the Roman world. It investigates the origins and development of Roman trade voyages across the Indian Ocean, considers the role of distant diplomacy and studies the organization of the overland trade networks that crossed the inner deserts of Arabia through the Incense Routes between the Yemeni Coast and ancient Palestine. It also considers the Silk Road that extended from Roman Syria across Iraq, through the Persian Empire into inner Asia and, ultimately, China.

Early Christian Books in Egypt


Roger S. Bagnall - 2009
    Scholars have cited these papyrus manuscripts--containing the Bible and other Christian works--as evidence of Christianity's presence in that historic area during the first three centuries AD. In "Early Christian Books in Egypt," distinguished papyrologist Roger Bagnall shows that a great deal of this discussion and scholarship has been misdirected, biased, and at odds with the realities of the ancient world. Providing a detailed picture of the social, economic, and intellectual climate in which these manuscripts were written and circulated, he reveals that the number of Christian books from this period is likely fewer than previously believed.Bagnall explains why papyrus manuscripts have routinely been dated too early, how the role of Christians in the history of the codex has been misrepresented, and how the place of books in ancient society has been misunderstood. The author offers a realistic reappraisal of the number of Christians in Egypt during early Christianity, and provides a thorough picture of the economics of book production during the period in order to determine the number of Christian papyri likely to have existed. Supporting a more conservative approach to dating surviving papyri, Bagnall examines the dramatic consequences of these findings for the historical understanding of the Christian church in Egypt.

Geometrical Solutions Derived from Mechanics, a Treatise of Archimedes


Archimedes - 2009
    This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier: From Marius to Commodus, 112 BC-AD 192


Raffaele D'Amato - 2009
    Through glory and defeat, the Roman warrior adapted to the changing face of warfare. Due to the immense size of the Roman Empire, which reached from the British Isles to the Arabian Gulf, the equipment of the Roman soldier varied greatly from region to region. Through the use of materials such as leather, linen and felt, the army was able to adjust its equipment to these varied climates.Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier sheds new light on the many different types of armour used by the Roman soldier, and combines written and artistic sources with the analysis of old and new archaeological finds. With a huge wealth of plates and illustrations, which include ancient paintings, mosaics, sculptures and coin depictions, this book gives the reader an unparalleled visual record of this fascinating period of military history.This book, the first of three volumes, examines the period from Marius to Commodus. Volume II will cover the period from Commodus to Justinian, and Volume III will look at the period from Romulus to Marius.REVIEWS fresh in depth look uses sources such as archaeological evidence ... illustrated throughout magnificent full color plates buy Graham Sumner supporting the new research published in this book Toy Soldier and Model Figure (UK), 08/2010" a significant contribution to the understanding of the Roman Army"Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 09/2010 provides a wealth of textual and archaeological evidence .slaughters some rather old sacred cows, but at the same time it s one of the freshest insights into old sources wealth of information covered is stunning United Nations of Roma Victrix Review, 07/25/2011"

A History of the Czech Lands


Jaroslav Panek - 2009
    Despite its youth as a nation, this land and the areas just outside its modern borders boasts an ancient and intricate past. With A History of the Czech Lands, editors Jaroslav Pánek and Oldrich Tuma—along with several scholars from the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and Charles University—provide one of the most complete historical accounts of this region to date.Pánek and Tuma’s history begins in the Neolithic era and follows the development of the state as it transformed into the Kingdom of Bohemia during the ninth century, into Czechoslovakia after World War I, and finally into the Czech Republic. Such a tumultuous political past arises in part from a fascinating native people, and A History of the Czech Lands profiles the Czechs in great detail, delving into past and present traditions and explaining how generation after generation adapted to a perpetually changing government and economy. In addition, Pánek and Tuma examine the many minorities that now call these lands home—Jews, Slovaks, Poles, Germans, Ukrainians, and others—and how each group’s migration to the region has contributed to life in the Czech Republic today.The first study in English with this scope and ambition, A History of the Czech Lands is essential for scholars of Slavic, Central, and East European studies and a must-read for those who trace their ancestry to these lands.

Roman Warfare


Jonathan P. Roth - 2009
    In non-technical, lively language, Jonathan Roth examines the evolution of Roman war over its thousand-year history. He highlights the changing arms and equipment of the soldiers, unit organization and command structure, and the wars and battles of each era. The military narrative is used as a context for Rome's changing tactics and strategy and to discuss combat techniques, logistics, and other elements of Roman war. Political, social, and economic factors are also considered. Full of detail, up-to-date on current scholarly debates, and richly illustrated with 39 halftones and 27 color plates, Roman Warfare is intended for students of the ancient world and military history.

The Book of Enoch Including the Book of the Secrets of Enoch


Enoch - 2009
    Nyland contains:1 Enoch (The Ethiopic Book of Enoch)2 Enoch (The Slavonic Book of Enoch, the Secrets of Enoch). This volume contains the extended version of 2 Enoch, The Exaltation of Melchizedek.Note that this is Dr. Nyland's translation and NOT a public domain work.1 Enoch tells of the Watchers, a class of angel, who taught humans weapons, spell potions, root cuttings, astrology, astronomy, and alchemies. The Watchers also slept with human women and produced the Nephilim. For this, they were imprisoned and cast into Tartarus. This is also mentioned in the New Testament. In 2 Enoch, two angels take Enoch through the 7 heavens. This volume contains the extended version of 2 Enoch, The Exaltation of Melchizedek.There are copious background notes and cross references to Bible verses.This book is an easy to read translation with cross references and notes.

Voynich Manuscript


Unknown - 2009
    Wilfrid Michael Voynich, Manuscript, Constructed script, Asemic writing, Book of Soyga, Codex Seraphinianus, European Voynich Alphabet, False document, Fictional language, Rohonc Codex, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Facsimile, History of the alphabet

A Companion to Archaic Greece


Kurt A. Raaflaub - 2009
    A systematic survey of archaic Greek society and culture which introduces the reader to a wide range of new approaches to the period.The first comprehensive and accessible survey of developments in the study of archaic Greece Places Greek society of c.750-480 BCE in its chronological and geographical context Gives equal emphasis to established topics such as tyranny and political reform and newer subjects like gender and ethnicity Combines accounts of historical developments with regional surveys of archaeological evidence and in-depth treatments of selected themes Explores the impact of Eastern and other non-Greek cultures in the development of Greece Uses archaeological and literary evidence to reconstruct broad patterns of social and cultural development

The Vandals


Andrew Merrills - 2009
    This complete history provides a full account of the Vandals and re-evaluates key aspects of the society including: political and economic structures such as the complex foreign policy which combined diplomatic alliances and marriages with brutal raiding; the extraordinary cultural development of secular learning, and the religious struggles that threatened to tear the state apart; and the nature of Vandal identity from a social and gender perspective.

Ancient Warfare Special 2009: The Varian Disaster


Jona LenderingCarlos de la Rocha - 2009
    

The Grammar of the Ancient World


Dominic Rathbone - 2009
    By combining historic engravings with a modern commentary that is at once authoritative and accessible, it creates both a celebration of ancient cultures and an invaluable reference for all students of early history.Beautiful reproductions of classic engravings, in full cover and monotone, bring the major civilizations to life. An expert, modern narrative describes and compares each culture’s approach to major themes such as government and society, religion and architecture, and food and games. Detailed maps and timelines help the reader to place each civilization in the context of its neighbors, allies, and enemies.

Gorgias, Menexenus, Protagoras


Plato - 2009
    Together they offer strikingly varied examples of Plato's critical encounter with the culture and politics of fifth and fourth century Athens. Nowhere does he engage more sharply and vigorously with the presuppositions of democracy. The Gorgias is a long and impassioned confrontation between Socrates and a succession of increasingly heated interlocutors about political rhetoric as an instrument of political power. The short Menexenus contains a pastiche of celebratory public oratory, illustrating its self-delusions. In the Protagoras, another important contribution to moral and political philosophy in its own right, Socrates takes on leading intellectuals (the 'sophists') of the later fifth century BC and their pretensions to knowledge. The dialogues are introduced and annotated by Malcolm Schofield, a leading authority on ancient Greek political philosophy.

Thucydides, Pericles, and the Idea of Athens in the Peloponnesian War


Martha Caroline Taylor - 2009
    Martha Taylor argues that Thucydides subtly critiques Pericles' vision of Athens as a city divorced from the territory of Attica and focused, instead, on the sea and the empire. Thucydides shows that Pericles' reconceputalization of the city led the Athenians both to Melos and to Sicily. Toward the end of his work, Thucydides demonstrates that flexible thinking about the city exacerbated the Athenians' civil war. Providing a thorough critique and analysis of Thucydides' neglected book 8, Taylor shows that Thucydides praises political compromise centered around the traditional city in Attica. In doing so, he implicitly censures both Pericles and the Athenian imperial project itself.