Publisher's Synopsis
From the halcyon days of ancient Greece and Rome to the present-day prospects of a unified Europe, this book takes readers on a fascinating journey through time and across borders. It explores the politics, power struggles, and influential people of each era, and also offers readers an insight into the society and culture of the time. Written by a team of international experts, the text is objective, authoritative, and readable. Organized by era, each chapter opens with a map showing divisions of power in Europe at the time, revealing how borders changed over the period. An illustrated timeline allows readers to gain an overview of the epoch and serves as a useful introduction to the chapter.;Each chapter looks at the history of the time from a multiplicity of vantage points. Early chapters address the ancient economy of Greece, philosophy and religion, education and learning, and art and architecture. Later sections explore the politics of each period, including conflicts and alliances, war and truces, the rise and fall of nations, and accessions and successions of heads of state. Other topics introduced along the way include science and technology, intellectual and political thought, literature, art, theatre, music, and the popular culture of each era.
