Publisher's Synopsis
This volume complements the publication of the second edition of The Cambridge Ancient History Volumes V and VI, which cover the history of Greece and associated areas between the Persian wars and the death of Alexander the Great - the Classical Period par excellence. It is also, however, intended to be an independent account of the physical evidence for Greek culture in this period and deals, therefore, with some subjects barely discussed in the text volumes, as well as serving as an illustrated commentary on their main themes. Major sections are devoted to the art and architecture of a period which was to prove the most influential in the development of the arts in the western world. Other sections deal with subjects for which the archaeological evidence is particularly illuminating and where it supplements the record of ancient authors in important ways: these include consideration of the economy and trade, the social and civic life of Athens, religion, the theatre, warfare and coinage. The volume will serve the general reader with an interest in the prime period of classical antiquity no less than ancient historians, archaeologists and art historians.
