Top Ancient History eBooks

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The Darkening Age - Catherine Nixey Cover Art

The Darkening Age

The Darkening Age The Christian Destruction of the Classical World by Catherine Nixey

A New York Times Notable Book, winner of the Jerwood Award from the Royal Society of Literature, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and named a Book of the Year by the Telegraph, Spectator, Observer, and BBC History Magazine, this bold new history of the rise of Christianity shows how its radical followers helped to annihilate Greek and Roman civilizations. The Darkening Age is the largely unknown story of how a militant religion deliberately attacked and suppressed the teachings of the Classical world, ushering in centuries of unquestioning adherence to "one true faith." Despite the long-held notion that the early Christians were meek and mild, going to their martyrs' deaths singing hymns of love and praise, the truth, as Catherine Nixey reveals, is very different. Far from being meek and mild, they were violent, ruthless, and fundamentally intolerant. Unlike the polytheistic world, in which the addition of one new religion made no fundamental difference to the old ones, this new ideology stated not only that it was the way, the truth, and the light but that, by extension, every single other way was wrong and had to be destroyed. From the first century to the sixth, those who didn't fall into step with its beliefs were pursued in every possible way: social, legal, financial, and physical. Their altars were upturned and their temples demolished, their statues hacked to pieces, and their priests killed. It was an annihilation. Authoritative, vividly written, and utterly compelling, this is a remarkable debut from a brilliant young historian.

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Hadrian's Wall - Adrian Goldsworthy Cover Art

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall by Adrian Goldsworthy

From an award-winning historian of ancient Rome, the definitive history of Hadrian’s Wall.  “ Hadrian’s Wall  is a short and sparkling introduction to the great wall of the Roman Empire, written by a master historian. Adrian Goldsworthy cuts through the myth without losing the magic.” ―Barry Strauss, author of The Trojan War Stretching eighty miles from coast to coast across northern England, Hadrian’s Wall is the world’s largest known Roman artifact. Commonly viewed as a defiant barrier, the end of the empire, a place where civilization stopped and barbarism began, the Wall remained shrouded in mystery until today. Was it intended to keep out the Picts, who inhabited the North? Or was it merely a symbol of Roman power and wealth? What was life like for soldiers stationed along its expanse? And how was the extraordinary structure built—what technology, skills, and materials? Generations of historians have been fascinated by this wondrous fortification, which has generated a great deal of speculation and relatively few answers. In Hadrian’s Wall , the acclaimed ancient historian Adrian Goldsworthy embarks on a historical and archaeological exploration, sifting fact from legend while simultaneously situating the wall in the wider scene of Roman Britain. He describes the construction of the wall in the early 100s AD, when Roman legions had reached the far north of the land they called Britannia. Goldsworthy reveals that while the sheer scale of the Wall may suggest that its main function was to keep the tribes of the north out, its actual purpose may have been to slow down northern raiders returning home with their plunder. And though we assume that legionnaires stationed at the wall were there to serve it, the surviving evidence indicates that it was there to serve them. A fascinating investigation into the depths of Roman Britain, Hadrian’s Wall is a concise and authoritative history of one of the great architectural marvels of the ancient world.

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Ancient Dynasties - John D. Grainger Cover Art

Ancient Dynasties

Ancient Dynasties The Families that Ruled the Classical World, circa 1000 BC to AD 750 by John D. Grainger

A guide to the over 150 families that ruled the Classical world, from the 10th century BC to the 8th century AD, from western Europe to central Asia.   Ancient Dynasties  is a unique study of the ruling families of the ancient world known to the Greeks and Romans. The book is in two parts. The first offers analysis and discussion of various features of the ruling dynasties (including the leading families of republican Rome). It examines patterns, similarities and contrasts, categorizes types of dynasty and explores common themes such as how they were founded and maintained, the role of women, and the various reasons for their decline.   The second part is a catalog of all the dynasties (over 150 of them) known to have existed between approximately 1000 BC and AD 750 from the Atlantic Ocean to Baktria (roughly modern Afghanistan). It provides genealogical tables as well as information on where and when they held power.   Altogether, Ancient Dynasties offers an invaluable reference to ancient history buffs interested in the families that wielded power in the Classical world.

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Women & Power - Mary Beard Cover Art

Women & Power

Women & Power A Manifesto by Mary Beard

New York Times Bestseller One of the Guardian's "100 Best Books of the 21st Century" — "A modern feminist classic." From the internationally acclaimed classicist and New York Times best-selling author comes this timely manifesto on women and power. At long last, Mary Beard addresses in one brave book the misogynists and trolls who mercilessly attack and demean women the world over, including, very often, Mary herself. In Women & Power, she traces the origins of this misogyny to its ancient roots, examining the pitfalls of gender and the ways that history has mistreated strong women since time immemorial. As far back as Homer’s Odyssey, Beard shows, women have been prohibited from leadership roles in civic life, public speech being defined as inherently male. From Medusa to Philomela (whose tongue was cut out), from Hillary Clinton to Elizabeth Warren (who was told to sit down), Beard draws illuminating parallels between our cultural assumptions about women’s relationship to power—and how powerful women provide a necessary example for all women who must resist being vacuumed into a male template. With personal reflections on her own online experiences with sexism, Beard asks: If women aren’t perceived to be within the structure of power, isn’t it power itself we need to redefine? And how many more centuries should we be expected to wait?

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Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition) - Edith Hamilton & Jim Tierney Cover Art

Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition)

Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition) Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton & Jim Tierney

This deluxe edition of the world's most beloved, bestselling classic on Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology is stunningly illustrated with specially commissioned full-color plates and a beautiful gold-bordered pages. Since its original publication in 1942, Edith Hamilton's Mythology has sold millions of copies throughout the world and established itself as a perennial bestseller. For nearly 80 years, readers have chosen Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes above all other books to discover the enchanting world of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology—from Odysseus's adventure-filled journey to Odin's effort to postpone the final day of doom. This deluxe, hardcover edition is illustrated throughout with specially commissioned, original artwork and beautifully illustrated lineages, making it a true collector's item.

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Escape from Pompeii - Steven L. Tuck Cover Art

Escape from Pompeii

Escape from Pompeii The Great Eruption of Mount Vesuvius and Its Survivors by Steven L. Tuck

A story of triumph out of tragedy, uncovered in the ashes of Vesuvius The archaeological park of Pompeii is one of the most famous sites of destruction anywhere in the world. From the time of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE until the eighteenth century, Pompeii and its neighbor Herculaneum lay preserved under a thick layer of volcanic material. Since excavations began three hundred years ago, Pompeii has been revealing the secrets of its victims and the ordinary shape of their lives prior to the catastrophe. But did anyone survive the disaster? In popular culture, the eruption is viewed as an apocalyptic event in which everyone died, while scholars generally assume that some escaped. Steven L. Tuck settles that debate. He starts by establishing the circumstances and timeline of the eruption and the evidence that people at both Pompeii and Herculaneum had the chance to escape the eruption. From there, he moves to the search for survivors. Using evidence from inscriptions supported by archaeological, documentary, and literary sources, Tuck finds survivors in twelve different communities and uncovers details on how they rebuilt their lives, livelihoods, and identities after fleeing the volcano. While some survivors integrated quickly into their new communities and used their new city's name in the personal names of their first generation, others preserved cultural markers from their destroyed communities through language, religious dedications, and renewed businesses. Many of the families that escaped intermarried with other refugee families, but also ran for public office in their new cities, made generous donations to their communities, and integrated while maintaining their former identity. Some refugee families came to the aid of the less fortunate by taking in poor and orphaned survivors, while others married beneath their previous station. The Roman government responded to the needs of the refugee communities with new housing, infrastructure, and services, but, as Tuck demonstrates, the real work was done by the refugees themselves. By asking new questions about Pompeii and innovatively examining the evidence, Escape from Pompeii proves the survival of Pompeians and Herculaneans after the eruption. It sheds new insight into their lives, pre- and post-eruption, and provides new conclusions about the Roman world and its response to unimaginable suffering.

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The Story of the Jews, - Simon Schama Cover Art

The Story of the Jews,

The Story of the Jews, Finding the Words 1000 BC-1492 AD by Simon Schama

In this magnificently illustrated cultural history—the tie-in to the PBS and BBC series The Story of the Jews —Simon Schama details the story of the Jewish experience, from their beginnings as an ancient tribal people to the opening of the New World in 1492. It is a story like no other: an epic of endurance against destruction, of creativity in oppression, joy amidst grief, the affirmation of life against the steepest of odds. This epic of world history spans the millennia and the continents—from India to Andalusia and from the bazaars of Cairo to the streets of Oxford. It takes you to unimagined places: to a Jewish kingdom in the mountains of southern Arabia; a Syrian synagogue glowing with radiant wall paintings; the palm groves of the Jewish dead in the Roman catacombs. And its voices ring loud and clear, from the severities and ecstasies of the Bible writers to the love poems of wine bibbers in a garden in Muslim Spain. In The Story of the Jews, the Talmud burns in the streets of Paris, massed gibbets hang over the streets of medieval London, a Majorcan illuminator redraws the world; candles are lit, chants are sung, mules are packed, ships loaded with spice and gems founder at sea. And a great story of Jewish history unfolds. Not—as often imagined—of a culture apart, but of a Jewish world immersed in and imprinted by the peoples among whom they have dwelled, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, from the Arabs to the Christians. Which makes the story of the Jews everyone’s story, too. Ancient and Medieval History: From a surprising Jewish kingdom in the mountains of southern Arabia to the burning of the Talmud in the streets of Paris. Art and Culture: Discover a Syrian synagogue glowing with radiant wall paintings, love poems from Muslim Spain, and the work of a Majorcan illuminator who redrew the world. Stories of Resilience: An epic of endurance against destruction, of joy amidst grief, and the affirmation of life against the steepest of odds. Companion to the PBS/BBC Series: Go deeper into the magnificently illustrated cultural history seen in the acclaimed documentary series, The Story of the Jews .

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Caesar and Christ - Will Durant Cover Art

Caesar and Christ

Caesar and Christ The Story of Civilization, Volume III by Will Durant

The Story of Civilization, Volume III: A history of Roman civilization and of Christianity from their beginnings to A.D. 325. This is the third volume of the classic, Pulitzer Prize-winning series.

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Ancient Greece - Thomas R. Martin Cover Art

Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece by Thomas R. Martin

In this compact yet comprehensive history of ancient Greece, Thomas R. Martin brings alive Greek civilization from its Stone Age roots to the fourth century B.C. Focusing on the development of the Greek city-state and the society, culture, and architecture of Athens in its Golden Age, Martin integrates political, military, social, and cultural history in a book that will appeal to students and general readers alike. Now in its second edition, this classic work now features new maps and illustrations, a new introduction, and updates throughout. “A limpidly written, highly accessible, and comprehensive history of Greece and its civilizations from prehistory through the collapse of Alexander the Great’s empire. . . . A highly readable account of ancient Greece, particularly useful as an introductory or review text for the student or the general reader.”— Kirkus Reviews  “A polished and informative work that will be useful for general readers and students.”—Daniel Tompkins, Temple University

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The Ancient Near East - Amanda H. Podany Cover Art

The Ancient Near East

The Ancient Near East A Very Short Introduction by Amanda H. Podany

The ancient Near East is known as the "cradle of civilization"--and for good reason. Mesopotamia, Syria, and Anatolia were home to an extraordinarily rich and successful culture. Indeed, it was a time and place of earth-shaking changes for humankind: the beginnings of writing and law, kingship and bureaucracy, diplomacy and state-sponsored warfare, mathematics and literature. This Very Short Introduction offers a fascinating account of this momentous time in human history. The three thousand years covered here--from around 3500 BCE, with the founding of the first Mesopotamian cities, to the conquest of the Near East by the Persian king Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE-represent a period of incredible innovation, from the invention of the wheel and the plow, to early achievements in astronomy, law, and diplomacy. As historian Amanda Podany explores this era, she overturns the popular image of the ancient world as a primitive, violent place. We discover that women had many rights and freedoms: they could own property, run businesses, and represent themselves in court. Diplomats traveled between the capital cities of major powers ensuring peace and friendship between the kings. Scribes and scholars studied the stars and could predict eclipses and the movements of the planets. Every chapter introduces the reader to a particular moment in ancient Near Eastern history, illuminating such aspects as trade, religion, diplomacy, law, warfare, kingship, and agriculture. Each discussion focuses on evidence provided in two or three cuneiform texts from that time. These documents, the cities in which they were found, the people and gods named in them, the events they recount or reflect, all provide vivid testimony of the era in which they were written. About the Series: Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.

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Annals - Tacitus & Cynthia Damon Cover Art

Annals

Annals by Tacitus & Cynthia Damon

A compelling new translation of Tacitus' Annals , one of the greatest accounts of ancient Rome, by Cynthia Damon. Tacitus' Annals recounts the major historical events from the years shortly before the death of Augustus to the death of Nero in AD 68. With clarity and vivid intensity Tacitus describes the reign of terror under the corrupt Tiberius, the great fire of Rome during the time of Nero and the wars, poisonings, scandals, conspiracies and murders that were part of imperial life. Despite his claim that the Annals were written objectively, Tacitus' account is sharply critical of the emperors' excesses and fearful for the future of imperial Rome, while also filled with a longing for its past glories. This new Penguin Classics edition also includes chronologies, notes, appendices, a genealogy and an introduction discussing Tacitus's life and his approach to history.

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The Lost Voices of Pompeii - Dr. Jess Venner Cover Art

The Lost Voices of Pompeii

The Lost Voices of Pompeii Life and Death on Pompeii’s Final Day by Dr. Jess Venner

Award-winning ancient historian, archaeologist, and social media sensation Dr. Jess Venner re-creates Pompeii’s final day before Mount Vesuvius’s eruption, revealing not just how its people died but how they lived. While today the ruins of Pompeii stand silent and preserved in ash and stone, they were once home to a vibrant, bustling community made up of thousands of people whose lives were forever altered—or cut short—in the wake of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Through extensive research and vivid storytelling, leading expert Dr. Jess Venner goes beyond the devastation and unveils a city teeming with art, customs, and culture. The Lost Voices of Pompeii follows ordinary citizens on what should have been an ordinary day: the newly freed Petrinus grapples with how to navigate his future in a town that isn’t always welcoming; Julia Felix, a businesswoman, faces prejudice as she skirts traditional female roles; Amisusius, priest of the cult of Isis, struggles to balance politics and religion; among many other residents. Their stories weave together and apart, until they cul­minate in the fateful event. Some will survive, but others will fall victim to the natural disaster. Pompeii’s story is often reduced to the scope of its tragedy, but Dr. Venner brings the focus back to the peo­ple themselves, capturing a civilization rich in history, traditions, and aspirations. A profound and immersive experience, The Lost Voices of Pompeii revives a people often overshadowed by death and destruction and tells a poignant tale of humanity and resilience.

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Delphi Complete Works of Quintilian (Illustrated) - Quintilian Cover Art

Delphi Complete Works of Quintilian (Illustrated)

Delphi Complete Works of Quintilian (Illustrated) by Quintilian

Quintilian’s textbook on oratory offers a comprehensive training program in twelve books, drawing on the rhetorician’s own rich experience, while providing a rare insight into education and social attitudes in the Roman world. Delphi’s Ancient Classics series provides eReaders with the wisdom of the Classical world, with both English translations and the original Latin texts.  This comprehensive eBook presents Quintilian’s complete extant works, with beautiful illustrations, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Quintilian's life and works * Features the complete extant works of Quintilian, in both English translation and the original Latin * Concise introduction to INSTITUTES OF ORATORY * Includes Butler’s translation previously appearing in the Loeb Classical Library edition of Quintilian * Excellent formatting of the text * Easily locate the sections you want to read with individual contents tables and section numbers * Provides a special dual English and Latin text, allowing you to compare the sections paragraph by paragraph with Butler’s translation – ideal for students * Features a bonus biography – discover Quintilian's ancient world * Scholarly ordering of texts into chronological order and literary genres Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to explore our range of Ancient Classics titles CONTENTS: The Translation INSTITUTES OF ORATORY The Latin Text CONTENTS OF THE LATIN TEXT The Dual Text DUAL LATIN AND ENGLISH TEXT The Biography LIFE OF QUINTILIAN by H. E. Butler Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of exciting titles

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The World of Late Antiquity: CE 150-750 (New)  (World of Art) - Peter Brown Cover Art

The World of Late Antiquity: CE 150-750 (New) (World of Art)

The World of Late Antiquity: CE 150-750 (New) (World of Art) by Peter Brown

A remarkable study in social and cultural change that explains how and why the late antique world (circa 150–750CE) came to differ from "classical civilization." The first century CE was one of momentous events: the end of the Roman Empire, the rise of Christianity across Western Europe, and the disappearance of Persia from the Near East. An era in which the most deep-rooted ancient institutions disappeared, creating divergent legacies that are still present today. Renowned historian Peter Brown examines these changes and the reactions to them to show that the late antiquity was an outstanding period of new beginnings with far-reaching impacts. The result is a lucid answer to a crucial question in world history: how the exceptionally homogenous Mediterranean world of the first century CE became divided into the three mutually estranged societies of the Middle Ages: Catholic Western Europe, Byzantium, and the Islamic world. Brown’s remarkable study in social and cultural transformation explains how and why the late antique world came to differ from the "classical civilization" of the Greeks and Romans. Featuring a new preface and updated with color illustrations throughout, The World of Late Antiquity demonstrates that we still have much to learn from this enduring and intriguing period of history.

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Sparta - Andrew Bayliss Cover Art

Sparta

Sparta The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Superpower by Andrew Bayliss

A major new history of ancient Greece’s most iconic city-state. For thousands of years, the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta has been famed as the ultimate warrior society. The flowing crimson capes and bronze shields of Spartan warriors remain the enduring image of masculine bravery, austerity, and toughness; King Leonidas’s 300 soldiers at Thermopylae the quintessential example of courageous self-sacrifice in battle. But who were the Spartans, really—and how did they rise from a humble village in the Peloponnese to become the dominant military power of ancient Greece? In this landmark new history, renowned Sparta expert Andrew Bayliss delivers a strikingly clarifying, relentlessly complex portrait of a culture and people long shrouded in myth. Sifting masterfully through historical records and modern archaeological evidence, Bayliss traces the shifting alliances and volatile conflicts Spartans faced during the city-state’s evolution from a minor hamlet in the Peloponnese to the foremost power of ancient Greece. In vivid detail, Bayliss brings to life the excruciating training, rigid dietary habits, and extreme discipline that molded the warriors of history’s most renowned military power. He also lays bare lesser-known aspects of Spartan society that complicate its egalitarian reputation, including complex gender dynamics, stark wealth inequality, and its brutal exploitation of slave labor. With incisive analysis, Bayliss illuminates how the Spartans’ ruthless might, unparalleled military ambition, and singular exclusivity fueled their seemingly unstoppable rise—and how those same factors became their undoing. Enthralling and informative in equal measure, Sparta will stand for decades as the definitive history of one of antiquity’s most legendary civilizations—from its meteoric rise to its surprising downfall.

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Astrology of Ancient Civilizations - Daphne Eastwood, Barnaby Whitmore, Oswald Penrith, Bookademy EN & Honur Blakares Cover Art

Astrology of Ancient Civilizations

Astrology of Ancient Civilizations Wisdom Beyond the Stars by Daphne Eastwood, Barnaby Whitmore, Oswald Penrith, Bookademy EN & Honur Blakares

Discover the profound insights and enduring legacies of ancient astrological traditions in "Astrology of Ancient Civilizations - Wisdom Beyond the Stars”. Delve into the mysteries of Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Indian, Mayan, Persian, and pre-Columbian astrological practices, exploring their impact on governance, agriculture, medicine, and culture. From the celestial symbolism of ancient temples to the integration of astrology into daily life, this book uncovers the rich tapestry of astrological wisdom passed down through the ages. Explore how ancient civilizations navigated the cosmos, shaped by the guiding force of the stars. Embark on a journey through time and space to uncover the timeless truths hidden within the heavens.

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The Book of the Ancient Greeks - Dorothy Mills Cover Art

The Book of the Ancient Greeks

The Book of the Ancient Greeks An Introduction to the Civilization and History of Greece from the Coming of the Greeks to the Conquest of Corinth in 146 B.C. by Dorothy Mills

This excellent history of Ancient Greece reveals how day-to-day life was in the capital city of Athens, the Greeks’ artistic and cultural achievements, plus its military triumphs. In her well-researched overview of one of the greatest civilizations of antiquity, Dorothy Mills’ discusses the different facets of Greek society, together with the defining historical events and attainments. The famous pantheon of Gods, and the establishment of the Olympic games are accompanied by accounts of the colonies in Southern Italy and Asia Minor. Ideas of governance, including its famous system of democracy, are described alongside the civilization’s martial prowess: the military of the Greeks introduced dedicated divisions of cavalry and the famous hoplites, and advanced siege warfare. Great heroes and intellectuals are discussed. Examples include Aristotle, a pioneer of legal and ethical philosophy, and Alexander the Great, a military commander who led his forces as far east as India. Finally, Mills’ discusses the scientific legacy left by thinkers such as Archimedes, and the towering influence Greece and its ideas had on civilizations which followed. This edition of Mills’ history includes a variety of illustrations and photographs. These showcase the architectural and artistic styles of ancient Greece, with iconic buildings such as the Acropolis and the Great Theatre of Epidaurus featured.

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¿Por qué caen los imperios? - Peter Heather & John Rapley Cover Art

¿Por qué caen los imperios?

¿Por qué caen los imperios? Roma, Estados Unidos y el futuro de Occidente by Peter Heather & John Rapley

Durante los últimos tres siglos, Occidente extendió inexorablemente su domino sobre el planeta. Pero, de repente, con el cambio de milenio, este rumbo parece haberse invertido. Enfrentado a un escenario de estancamiento económico, división política y retroceso demográfico, Occidente parece precipitarse hacia un acelerado declive. No es la primera vez que la historia asiste a un ascenso y a una caída tan vertiginosos. El Imperio romano siguió una trayectoria similar, desde el poder cuasi omnímodo hasta la desintegración, algo que, tal y como este libro argumenta, es más que una curiosa coincidencia histórica. Desde el 399 al 1999, los ciclos vitales de los imperios siembran las semillas de su inevitable destrucción. Y si la era de la dominación mundial de Occidente ha llegado a su fin, ¿ahora qué? En ¿Por qué caen los imperios? Roma, Estados Unidos y el futuro de Occidente , el historiador Peter Heather, experto en la Tardoantigüedad, y el economista político John Rapley exploran los extraños paralelismos –y las no menos esclarecedoras diferencias– entre el declive y caída de Roma y la crisis que vivimos en Occidente, yendo más allá de los tópicos familiares acerca de invasiones bárbaras y decadencia de la civilización, para extraer nuevas lecciones de la historia antigua. Si el ascenso de Roma al dominio mundial sirve para comprender el auge del Occidente moderno, su colapso permite identificar las claves de dicho proceso, y reflexionar sobre el surgimiento de pujantes periferias que desplazan al antes todopoderoso centro. En un lúcido y penetrante diálogo, los autores emplean la historia romana para considerar el momento actual y los posibles escenarios que se nos abren. A la postre, tal y como nos explica el pasado, el futuro de Occidente dependerá de las elecciones políticas y económicas que se nosotros y nuestros líderes tomemos en los años cruciales que se avecinan.

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The Nature of Classical Collecting - Alexandra Bounia Cover Art

The Nature of Classical Collecting

The Nature of Classical Collecting Collectors and Collections, 100 BCE – 100 CE by Alexandra Bounia

The phenomenon of collecting as a systematic activity undertaken for symbolic rather than actual needs, is traditionally taken to originate in the middle of the fifteenth century, when the first cabinets of curiosities appear in Italy. Yet it is clear that the practice of collecting started long before that, indeed its origins can be traced back thousands of years to European prehistoric communities. Whilst this early genesis is, due to lack of written records, still shrouded in much mystery, The Nature of Classical Collecting argues that the collecting practices of classical Greece and Rome offer a rich tapestry of experiences which can be reconstructed to illuminate a pivotal period in the long and ever developing phenomenon of collecting. Utilizing a wide variety of examples of classical collections - including grave goods, the accumulations of Greek temples and open-air shrines, the royal collections of Hellenistic kings, Roman art and curiosity collections, and relics - The Nature of Classical Collecting focuses on the field of the 'pre-history' of collecting, a neglected yet critical phase that helped crystallize the western concept of collecting. Drawing primarily on Latin writings from the period 100 BCE to 100 CE it shows how collecting underwent a transition from a religious and political activity, to an intellectual practice in which connoisseurship could impart social status. It also demonstrates how the appreciation of objects and artists changed as new qualities were attributed to material culture, resulting in the establishment of art markets, patronage and an interest in the history of art. By exploring these early developments, The Nature of Classical Collecting not only provides a fascinating insight into the culture of late Hellenistic/early Imperial Roman collecting, but also offers a much fuller grounding for understanding the influences and inspirations of those Renaissance collectors who themselves were to have such a profound influence on the course of European art, architecture and culture.

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1177 B.C. - Eric H. Cline Cover Art

1177 B.C.

1177 B.C. The Year Civilization Collapsed: Revised and Updated by Eric H. Cline

A bold reassessment of what caused the Late Bronze Age collapse In 1177 B.C., marauding groups known only as the "Sea Peoples" invaded Egypt. The pharaoh's army and navy managed to defeat them, but the victory so weakened Egypt that it soon slid into decline, as did most of the surrounding civilizations. After centuries of brilliance, the civilized world of the Bronze Age came to an abrupt and cataclysmic end. Kingdoms fell like dominoes over the course of just a few decades. No more Minoans or Mycenaeans. No more Trojans, Hittites, or Babylonians. The thriving economy and cultures of the late second millennium B.C., which had stretched from Greece to Egypt and Mesopotamia, suddenly ceased to exist, along with writing systems, technology, and monumental architecture. But the Sea Peoples alone could not have caused such widespread breakdown. How did it happen? In this major new account of the causes of this "First Dark Ages," Eric Cline tells the gripping story of how the end was brought about by multiple interconnected failures, ranging from invasion and revolt to earthquakes, drought, and the cutting of international trade routes. Bringing to life the vibrant multicultural world of these great civilizations, he draws a sweeping panorama of the empires and globalized peoples of the Late Bronze Age and shows that it was their very interdependence that hastened their dramatic collapse and ushered in a dark age that lasted centuries. A compelling combination of narrative and the latest scholarship, 1177 B.C. sheds new light on the complex ties that gave rise to, and ultimately destroyed, the flourishing civilizations of the Late Bronze Age—and that set the stage for the emergence of classical Greece.

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Coming Out Christian in the Roman World - Douglas Boin Cover Art

Coming Out Christian in the Roman World

Coming Out Christian in the Roman World How the Followers of Jesus Made a Place in Caesar's Empire by Douglas Boin

"Boin offers a highly original approach to the social and religious anxieties that seized Jesus's followers in the years after his death." —Reza Azlan, #1 New York Times –bestselling author The supposed collapse of Roman civilization is still lamented more than 1,500 years later—and intertwined with this idea is the notion that a fledgling religion, Christianity, went from a persecuted fringe movement to an irresistible force that toppled the empire. The "intolerant zeal" of Christians, wrote Edward Gibbon, swept Rome's old gods away, and with them the structures that sustained Roman society. Not so, argues Douglas Boin. Such tales are simply untrue to history and ignore the most important fact of all: life in Rome never came to a dramatic stop. Instead, as Boin shows, a small minority movement rose to transform society—politically, religiously, and culturally—but it was a gradual process, one that happened in fits and starts over centuries. Drawing upon a decade of recent studies in history and archaeology, and on his own research, Boin opens up a wholly new window onto a period we thought we knew. His work is the first to describe how Christians navigated the complex world of social identity in terms of "passing" and "coming out." Many Christians lived in a dynamic middle ground. Their quiet success, as much as the clamor of martyrdom, was a powerful agent for change. With this insightful approach to the story of Christians in the Roman world, Douglas Boin rewrites, and rediscovers, the fascinating early history of a world faith. "A genuinely thought-provoking and imaginative book." —Peter Thonemann, The Wall Street Journal

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Killing Jesus - Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard Cover Art

Killing Jesus

Killing Jesus A History by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard

Millions of readers have thrilled to bestselling authors Bill O'Reilly and historian Martin Dugard's Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln , page-turning works of nonfiction that have changed the way we read history. The basis for the 2015 television film available on streaming. Now the iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor details the events leading up to the murder of the most influential man in history: Jesus of Nazareth. Nearly two thousand years after this beloved and controversial young revolutionary was brutally killed by Roman soldiers, more than 2.2 billion human beings attempt to follow his teachings and believe he is God. Killing Jesus will take readers inside Jesus's life, recounting the seismic political and historical events that made his death inevitable - and changed the world forever.

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Egypt's Golden Couple - John Darnell & Colleen Darnell Cover Art

Egypt's Golden Couple

Egypt's Golden Couple When Akhenaten and Nefertiti Were Gods on Earth by John Darnell & Colleen Darnell

Two celebrated Egyptologists bring to vivid life the intriguing and controversial reign of King Tut's parents. Akhenaten has been the subject of radically different, even contradictory, biographies. The king has achieved fame as the world's first individual and the first monotheist, but others have seen him as an incestuous tyrant who nearly ruined the kingdom he ruled. The gold funerary mask of his son Tutankhamun and the painted bust of his wife Nefertiti are the most recognizable artifacts from all of ancient Egypt. But who are Akhenaten and Nefertiti? And what can we actually say about rulers who lived more than three thousand years ago? November 2022 marks the centennial of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and although "King Tut" is a household name, his nine-year rule pales in comparison to the revolutionary reign of his parents. Akhenaten and Nefertiti became gods on earth by transforming Egyptian solar worship, innovating in art and urban design, and merging religion and politics in ways never attempted before. Combining fascinating scholarship, detective suspense, and adventurous thrills, Egypt's Golden Couple is a journey through excavations, museums, hieroglyphic texts, and stunning artifacts. From clue to clue, renowned Egyptologists John and Colleen Darnell reconstruct an otherwise untold story of the magnificent reign of Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

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Fingerprints of the Gods - Graham Hancock Cover Art

Fingerprints of the Gods

Fingerprints of the Gods The Evidence of Earth's Lost Civilization by Graham Hancock

Could the story of mankind be far older than we have previously believed? Using tools as varied as archaeo-astronomy, geology, and computer analysis of ancient myths, Graham Hancock presents a compelling case to suggest that it is. Graham Hancock is featured in Ancient Apocalypse, a Netflix original docuseries. “A fancy piece of historical sleuthing . . . intriguing and entertaining and sturdy enough to give a long pause for thought.”— Kirkus Reviews In Fingerprints of the Gods, Hancock embarks on a worldwide quest to put together all the pieces of the vast and fascinating jigsaw of mankind’s hidden past. In ancient monuments as far apart as Egypt’s Great Sphinx, the strange Andean ruins of Tihuanaco, and Mexico’s awe-inspiring Temples of the Sun and Moon, he reveals not only the clear fingerprints of an as-yet-unidentified civilization of remote antiquity, but also startling evidence of its vast sophistication, technological advancement, and evolved scientific knowledge.   A record-breaking number one bestseller in Britain, Fingerprints of the Gods contains the makings of an intellectual revolution, a dramatic and irreversible change in the way that we understand our past—and so our future.   And Fingerprints of God tells us something more. As we recover the truth about prehistory, and discover the real meaning of ancient myths and monuments, it becomes apparent that a warning has been handed down to us, a warning of terrible cataclysm that afflicts the Earth in great cycles at irregular intervals of time—a cataclysm that may be about to recur.   “Readers will hugely enjoy their quest in these pages of inspired storytelling.”— The Times (UK)

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SPQR - Mary Beard Cover Art

SPQR

SPQR A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

New York Times Bestseller A New York Times Notable Book Named one of the Best Books of the Year by the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, Foreign Affairs, and Kirkus Reviews Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award (Nonfiction) Shortlisted for the Cundill Prize in Historical Literature Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize (History) A San Francisco Chronicle Holiday Gift Guide Selection A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice Selection An Independent Press Bestseller A sweeping, "magisterial" history of the Roman Empire from one of our foremost classicists shows why Rome remains "relevant to people many centuries later" (Atlantic). In SPQR, an instant classic, Mary Beard narrates the history of Rome "with passion and without technical jargon" and demonstrates how "a slightly shabby Iron Age village" rose to become the "undisputed hegemon of the Mediterranean" (Wall Street Journal). Hailed by critics as animating "the grand sweep and the intimate details that bring the distant past vividly to life" (Economist) in a way that makes "your hair stand on end" (Christian Science Monitor) and spanning nearly a thousand years of history, this "highly informative, highly readable" (Dallas Morning News) work examines not just how we think of ancient Rome but challenges the comfortable historical perspectives that have existed for centuries. With its nuanced attention to class, democratic struggles, and the lives of entire groups of people omitted from the historical narrative for centuries, SPQR will to shape our view of Roman history for decades to come.

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The Classical World - Robin Lane Fox Cover Art

The Classical World

The Classical World An Epic History from Homer to Hadrian by Robin Lane Fox

The classical civilizations of Greece and Rome once dominated the world, and they continue to fascinate and inspire us. Classical art and architecture, drama and epic, philosophy and politics -- these are the foundations of Western civilization. In The Classical World , eminent classicist Robin Lane Fox brilliantly chronicles this vast sweep of history from Homer to the reign of Augustus. From the Peloponnesian War through the creation of Athenian democracy, from the turbulent empire of Alexander the Great to the creation of the Roman Empire and the emergence of Christianity, Robin Lane Fox serves as our witty and trenchant guide. He introduces us to extraordinary heroes and horrific villains, great thinkers and blood-thirsty tyrants. Throughout this vivid tour of two of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known, we remain in the hands of a great master.

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The Galatians - John D. Grainger Cover Art

The Galatians

The Galatians Celtic Invaders of Greece and Asia Minor by John D. Grainger

A historian of the ancient world examines the epic rise and fall of the Celtic tribes who invaded the Mediterranean and lands further east. The eastern Celtic tribes, known to the Greeks as Galatians, exploited the waning of Macedonian power after Alexander the Great's death to launch increasingly ambitious raids and expeditions into the Balkans. In 279 BC they launched a major invasion, defeating and beheading the Macedonian king, Ptolemy Keraunos, before sacking the Greeks' most sacred oracle at Delphi. Eventually forced to withdraw northwards, they were defeated by Antigonus Gonatus at Lysimachia in 277 BC but remained a threat. A large Galatian contingent was invited to cross to Asia to intervene in a war in Bithynia but they went on to seize much of central Anatolia for themselves, founding the state of Galatia. They remained a force in the region and their warriors served as mercenaries in many armies throughout the eastern Mediterranean. In this authoritative history, John Grainger explores the fortunes of these eastern Celts down to their eventual subjugation by the Romans, Galatia becoming a Roman province in 30 BC.

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The Fall of Carthage - Adrian Goldsworthy Cover Art

The Fall of Carthage

The Fall of Carthage The Punic Wars 265-146BC by Adrian Goldsworthy

The struggle between Rome and Carthage in the Punic Wars was arguably the greatest and most desperate conflict of antiquity. The forces involved and the casualties suffered by both sides were far greater than in any wars fought before the modern era, while the eventual outcome had far-reaching consequences for the history of the Western World, namely the ascendancy of Rome. An epic of war and battle, this is also the story of famous generals and leaders: Hannibal, Fabius Maximus, Scipio Africanus, and his grandson Scipio Aemilianus, who would finally bring down the walls of Carthage.

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The Bloodlines of The Elite and The History of The Illuminati - Archangel Metatron Cover Art

The Bloodlines of The Elite and The History of The Illuminati

The Bloodlines of The Elite and The History of The Illuminati by Archangel Metatron

The following is an understandable, detailed, and summarized timeline of events and people which have been proven scientifically, archaeologically, genetically and historically. It is time you all wake up and see the world for what it truly is. Please know this was not written    in order to attack any personal beliefs, but rather to let you know what is really going on. You have been lied to. We, The Anonymous Charity are no writers, merely researchers. You must open your mind and free yourself from the brainwashing control they have put you under, if you are to continue this. You must realize that what you know is simply not true and these broadcasts and the evidence brought forth here will challenge and discredit most, if not everything that you believe. It will hurt your feelings. You will want to be defensive and not try to listen to the content. It will make you angry. You will start to understand and your eyes will begin to open. It will make you act. You will know the truth and you will understand that freedom is only obtained when we speak the truth. Your life is about to change. Welcome to The Collective HQ. Let's begin with the very structure of the group of people we will discuss. The structure beings with DNA. The Blood.

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Dynasty - Tom Holland Cover Art

Dynasty

Dynasty The Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar by Tom Holland

A “startlingly visceral” ( The New York Times ) portrait of Rome’s first imperial dynasty, from Augustus to Nero—by the acclaimed author of Rubicon and co-host of the hit podcast The Rest Is History “Holland is a master of narrative history. On the strength of Dynasty, he deserves a laurel wreath.” — The Washington Post In Dynasty , Tom Holland traces the astonishing century-long story of the rise and fall of the Julio-Claudians—Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Capturing both the brilliant allure of their rule and the blood-steeped shadows cast by their crimes, Dynasty travels from the great capital rebuilt in marble to the dank and barbarian forests of Germany. Populated by a spectacular cast—murderers, adulterers, Druids, scheming grandmothers, reluctant gladiators—it vividly recreates the world of Rome after Julius Caesar. A tale of rule and ruination, Dynasty is the story of a family that transformed and stupefied the western world and that continues to cast a mesmerizing spell across the millennia.

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Pax - Tom Holland Cover Art

Pax

Pax War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age by Tom Holland

From an award-winning historian, the definitive account of the golden age of Rome—an ultimate superpower at the pinnacle of its greatness. “Rarely has the distant past seemed so vividly alive.” — Financial Times The Pax Romana has long been shorthand for the empire’s golden age. Stretching from Caledonia to Arabia, Rome ruled over a quarter of the world’s population. It was the wealthiest and most formidable state in the history of humankind. Pax is a captivating narrative history of Rome at the height of its power. From the gilded capital to realms beyond the frontier, historian Tom Holland shows ancient Rome in all its glory: Nero’s downfall, the destruction of Jerusalem and Pompeii, the building of the Colosseum and Hadrian’s Wall, the conquests of Trajan. Vividly sketching the lives of Romans both ordinary and spectacular, from slaves to emperors, Holland shows that Roman peace was the fruit of unprecedented military violence. A stunning portrait of Rome’s glory days, this is the epic history of the Pax Romana.

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The Epic of Gilgamesh - Anonymous Cover Art

The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh by Anonymous

The Epic of Gilgamesh is the world’s oldest known epic, composed in ancient Mesopotamia and preserved on clay tablets in cuneiform script. The narrative follows Gilgamesh, the semi-divine king of Uruk, as he forges an unlikely friendship with the wild man Enkidu, defeats formidable foes like Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, and mourns the death of his friend. Driven by grief and fear of mortality, Gilgamesh embarks on a perilous journey in search of the secret to eternal life, encountering Utnapishtim, the survivor of a great flood. This epic explores universal themes of friendship, heroism, loss, and the search for meaning—echoing across millennia as a profound testament to the human spirit.

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Six Tragedies - Sêneca & Emily Wilson Cover Art

Six Tragedies

Six Tragedies by Sêneca & Emily Wilson

Phaedra * Oedipus * Medea * Trojan Women * Hercules Furens * Thyestes Seneca's plays are the product of a sensational, frightening, and oppressive period of history. Tutor to the emperor Nero, Seneca lived through uncertain and violent times, and his dramas depict the extremes of human behaviour. Rape, suicide, child-killing, incestuous love, madness and mutilation afflict the characters, who are obsessed and destroyed by their feelings. Passion is constantly set against reason, and passion wins out. Seneca forces us to think about the difference between compromise and hypocrisy, about what happens when emotions overwhelm judgement, and about how, if at all, a person can be good, calm, or happy in a corrupt society and under constant threat of death. Seneca was one of the most prolific, versatile, and influential of all classical Latin writers, and the only tragic playwright from ancient Rome whose work survives. This new edition of his six best plays captures Seneca's style in a verse translation that is both lively and accurate. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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The Histories - Herodotus, Tom Holland & Paul Cartledge Cover Art

The Histories

The Histories by Herodotus, Tom Holland & Paul Cartledge

“Unquestionably the best English translation of Herodotus to have appeared in the past half-century.” — The Times Literary Supplement In Tom Holland’s vibrant translation, one of the great masterpieces of Western history springs to life. Herodotus of Halicarnassus—hailed by Cicero as the “Father of History”—composed his histories around 440 BC. The earliest surviving work of nonfiction, The Histories works its way from the Trojan War through an epic account of the war between the Persian empire and the Greek city-states in the fifth century BC, recording landmark events that ensured the development of Western culture and still capture our modern imagination. Beautifully packaged in a Penguin Classics Deluxe edition with a comprehensive array of tools to guide first-time readers and experts alike, this accessible translation makes Herodotus fresh and irresistible once more. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

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Complete Works of Julius Caesar - Julius Caesar Cover Art

Complete Works of Julius Caesar

Complete Works of Julius Caesar by Julius Caesar

The Ancient Classics series provides eReaders with the wisdom of the Classical world, with both English translations and the original Latin and Greek texts. This comprehensive eBook presents the complete works of Julius Caesar, with beautiful illustrations, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (6MB Version 1) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Caesar's life and works * Features the complete works of Caesar, in both English translation and the original Latin * Concise introductions to the commentaries and other works * Provides a special dual English and Latin section, allowing readers to compare Caesar’s complete works paragraph by paragraph – ideal for study * Special campaign maps to complement the text, originally appearing in the Loeb Classical Library editions * Includes McDevitte’s celebrated translations * Images of famous paintings and sculptures inspired by Caesar’s life * Excellent formatting of the texts * Easily locate the sections or books you want to read with individual contents tables * Includes Caesar's rare spurious works * Features two bonus biographies - discover Caesar's ancient world * Scholarly ordering of texts into chronological order and literary genres CONTENTS: The Translations THE GALLIC WARS THE CIVIL WAR ON THE ALEXANDRINE WAR ON THE AFRICAN WAR ON THE HISPANIC WAR Dual Latin and English Texts LIST OF DUAL TEXTS The Latin Texts LIST OF LATIN TEXTS The Biographies THE LIFE OF JULIUS CAESAR by Suetonius THE HISTORY OF JULIUS CAESAR by Jacob Abbott

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A History of the Dark Ages - From the Triumph of Constantine to the Empire of Charlemagne - J.B. Bury Cover Art

A History of the Dark Ages - From the Triumph of Constantine to the Empire of Charlemagne

A History of the Dark Ages - From the Triumph of Constantine to the Empire of Charlemagne by J.B. Bury

An excellent, massive history covering the period known as the "Dark Ages".  Spanning from the rise and triumph of Constantine, through the Fall of Rome and the subsequent collapse of the Western Roman Empire, to the attempted restoration of the Byzantines in the West and the conquests of the Islamic Arabs, culminating in the imperial coronation of Charles the Great and the laying of the foundation of the medieval period.  This is a history of war and terror, of faith and ignorance, of the collision of peoples and leaders bent on nothing more than complete conquest and domination.  This is the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire, and the beginning of the end for the Byzantines. This is the history of a critical age of humankind, where the light of learning was a tiny glimmer in an ocean of darkness. The seeds of thought that would push the peoples of Europe out of anarchy and chaos and into the feudal stage would be sown by the conquests of a magnificent warrior king, and a holy church that refused to abandon the power it had so skillfully gained.  This is a history of...the Dark Ages.

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The Emerald Tablets of Thoth the Atlantean - M. Doreal Cover Art

The Emerald Tablets of Thoth the Atlantean

The Emerald Tablets of Thoth the Atlantean by M. Doreal

The history of the tablets translated in the following pages is strange and beyond the belief of modern scientists. Their antiquity is stupendous, dating back some 36,000 years B.C. The writer is Thoth, an Atlantean Priest-King, who founded a colony in ancient Egypt after the sinking of the mother country. He was the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza, erroneously attributed to Cheops. In it he incorporated his knowledge of the ancient wisdom and also securely secreted records and instruments of ancient Atlantis. For some 16,000 years, he ruled the ancient race of Egypt, from approximately 52,000 B.C. to 36,000 B.C. At that time, the ancient barbarous race among which he and his followers had settled had been raised to a high degree of civilization. Thoth was an immortal, that is, he had conquered death, passing only when he willed and even then not through death. His vast wisdom made him ruler over the various Atlantean colonies, including the ones in South and Central America. When the time came for him to leave Egypt, he erected the Great Pyramid over the entrance to the Great Halls of Amenti, placed in it his records, and appointed guards for his secrets from among the highest of his people. In later times, the descendants of these guards became the pyramid priests, by which Thoth was deified as the God of Wisdom, The Recorder, by those in the age of darkness which followed his passing. In legend, the Halls of Amenti became the underworld, the Halls of the gods, where the soul passed after death for judgment. During later ages, the ego of Thoth passed into the bodies of men in the manner described in the tablets. As such, he incarnated three times, in his last being known as Hermes, the thrice-born. In this incarnation, he left the writings known to modern occultists as the Emerald Tablets, a later and far lesser exposition of the ancient mysteries. The tablets translated in this work are ten which were left in the Great Pyramid in the custody of the pyramid priests. The ten are divided into thirteen parts for the sake of convenience. The last two are so great and far-reaching in their import that at present it is forbidden to release them to the world at large. However, in those contained herein are secrets which will prove of inestimable value to the serious student. They should be read, not once, but a hundred times for only thus can the true meaning be revealed. A casual reading will give glimpses of beauty, but more intensive study will open avenues of wisdom to the seeker.

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Anabasis - Xenophon Cover Art

Anabasis

Anabasis The March Up Country by Xenophon

All seven books of Xenophon's chronicles, detailing his time as a Greek mercenary who famously relieves the Spartan army, are presented here complete with informative notes. Through this book, we learn much of the life of an everyday soldier in one of the ancient world's most iconic armies. A member of the Ten Thousand - a company of Greek soldiers led by the heroic general and leader Cyrus, Xenophon witnessed first-hand the campaign to seize Persia by force from Cyrus's own brother: Artaxerxes II.  It is soon discovered that Sparta's army is stranded deep behind enemy lines, and must be rescued. Xenophon, as one of three commanders, leads the effort to make contact with Clearchus of Sparta and escort his isolated forces to friendlier ground where essential supplies of food are present.  The great route of Cyrus is recounted, and much of Xenophon's history is enhanced by his natural accessible and evocative style, informed by his excellent education as a contemporary of Plato and Socrates. We witness in these writings the armies of Greece and Sparta at their height, commanded by a man whose prowess and daring is reflected in the stunning successes and feats which Xenophon and others accomplish on their great expedition.  The translation of the original Greek to English in this edition of the Anabasis is by Henry Graham Daykns, a renowned classical scholar whose works remain respected to this day.

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History of the Peloponnesian War - Thucydides Cover Art

History of the Peloponnesian War

History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

A thorough account of the war between Athens and Sparta by the historian who witnessed it. The Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Delian League, led by Athens, went to war in 431 BC. The conflict lasted more than two decades, and Thucydides, who served as an Athenian general, wrote its definitive history: an account remarkable for both its objectivity and its focus on the humanity of the war rather than any intervention by the gods. Though primarily a military history, this book also shines a great light on the political and social aspects of the ancient conflict, including its effect on civilians. Thucydides's work is a landmark of historical scholarship that makes the events of the fifth century BC come vividly to life.

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Greece and Rome at War - Peter Connolly Cover Art

Greece and Rome at War

Greece and Rome at War by Peter Connolly

The renowned archeologist's classic guide to twelve centuries of ancient military development, beautifully presented in colorful illustrations and diagrams.   Generations of archeologists have been inspired by Peter Connolly's beautifully rendered, highly detailed illustrations of ancient arms and armies. This comprehensive volume offers a bird's eye view of not only battles, but the weapons, shields, and armor used centuries ago by Greek and Roman warriors. With extensive text describing each piece, this collection offers an ideal introduction to the subject of warfare in the ancient world spanning from 800 BC to 450 AD.   Incorporating new archaeological research and the contributions of other scholars in the field, this new edition of Greece and Rome at War provides detailed explanations of the classical armies' manufacture and use of their armaments. These full-color illustrations, maps, diagrams, and photographs bring the past to vivid life.   Includes a preface by Adrian Goldsworthy.

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Agricola and Germania - Cornelius Tacitus Cover Art

Agricola and Germania

Agricola and Germania Translation based on Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb (1876) by Cornelius Tacitus

Table of Contents Agricola (ca. 98), Translation based on Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb Germania, or The Origin and Situation of the Germans, Translation based on Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb Germania, or The Origin and Situation of the Germans, Translated by Thomas Gordon Cornelius Tacitus Biography ****************** The Germania (Latin: De Origine et situ Germanorum , lit. The Origin and Situation of the Germans ), written by Gaius Cornelius Tacitus around 98, is an ethnographic work on the Germanic tribes outside the Roman Empire. This work survived only in one single manuscript that was found in Hersfeld Abbey, Holy Roman Empire and brought to Italy in 1455 where Enea Silvio Piccolomini, the later Pope Pius II, first examined and analyzed it, whereby he sparked interest among German humanists such as Conrad Celtes, Johannes Aventinus, and especially Ulrich von Hutten into the Germania as an authentic source on ancient Germany. Ever since then, treatment of the text regarding the culture of the early Germanic peoples in ancient Germany remains strong especially in German history, philology, and ethnology studies, and to a lesser degree in Scandinavian countries as well. The Agricola (Latin: De vita et moribus Iulii Agricolae , lit. About the life and character of Julius Agricola ) is a book by the Roman historian Tacitus, written c 98, which recounts the life of his father-in-law Gnaeus Julius Agricola, an eminent Roman general. It also covers, briefly, the geography and ethnography of ancient Britain. As in the Germania , Tacitus favorably contrasts the liberty of the native Britons to the corruption and tyranny of the Empire; the book also contains eloquent and vicious polemics against the rapacity and greed of Rome. — Excerpted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

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Ancient Egypt - Ian Shaw Cover Art

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt A Very Short Introduction by Ian Shaw

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring The ancient Egyptians are an enduring source of fascination -- mummies and pyramids, curses and rituals have captured the imagination of generations. We all have a mental picture of ancient Egypt, but is it the right one? How much do we really know about this great civilization? This second edition of Ancient Egypt: A Very Short Introduction explores the history and culture of pharaonic Egypt, inlcuding ideas about Egyptian kingship, ancient Egyptian writing systems, and the history of Egyptology. Ian Shaw introduces the reader to issues relating to ethnicity, race, gender, and sexual relations; the latest ideas about death, funerary rites and mummification; and thoughts on religion and ethics in ancient Egypt. He also looks at the phenomenon of Egyptomania, whereby certain books and films have sensationalised aspects of Egyptian culture. Finally, Shaw takes the story to the present day by illustrating the impact of the Arab Spring on approaches to Egyptian museums and cultural heritage. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

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Belisarius - Ian Hughes Cover Art

Belisarius

Belisarius The Last Roman General by Ian Hughes

A military history of the campaigns of Flavius Belisarius, the greatest general of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Justinian. Back in the 6th century, Belisarius twice defeated the Persians and reconquered North Africa from the Vandals in a single year at the age of 29, before going on to regain Spain and Italy, including Rome (briefly), from the barbarians. This book discusses the evolution from classical Roman to Byzantine armies and systems of warfare, as well as those of their chief enemies: the Persians, Goths, and Vandals. Belisarius: The Last Roman General reassesses Belisarius's generalship and compares him with the likes of Caesar, Alexander, and Hannibal. It is also illustrated with line drawings and battle plans as well as photographs.

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Famous Men of Greece - John Haaren Cover Art

Famous Men of Greece

Famous Men of Greece by John Haaren

35 biographical sketches of the most famous and most important figures from the history of ancient Greece. John Haaren's work is a perfect introduction to an understanding of the Greek role in the foundation of world history. Accompanying illustrations serve to enhance the work for a rich narrative reading experience that will take the reader through the rise of the Greek city-states to their final fall at the hands of the Romans.

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Was Jesus Christ A Black Man? - Prosper Ankh Cover Art

Was Jesus Christ A Black Man?

Was Jesus Christ A Black Man? by Prosper Ankh

It is now highly controversial to claim that Jesus Christ was a Black man, although he was considered to be Black in ancient times. The controversy of the race of Jesus Christ and the ancient Israelites and Jews will be explored in this work.

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Posthomerica: The Fall of Troy (Illustrated Edition) - Quintus Smyrnaeus Cover Art

Posthomerica: The Fall of Troy (Illustrated Edition)

Posthomerica: The Fall of Troy (Illustrated Edition) by Quintus Smyrnaeus

Quintus Smyrnaeus was a Greek epic poet whose epic poem Posthomerica continues the narration of the Trojan War after Homer’s famous Iliad. The dates of Smyrnaeus's life are controversial, but they are traditionally placed in the latter part of the 4th century."Some scholars suggest an earlier date in the 3rd or even the 2nd century, arguing that his Posthomerica shows an influence from the "Second Sophistic", the school of Greek orators who flourished in the 1st and 2nd centuries. According to his own account (xii. 310), he began composing poetry in his early youth while tending sheep near Smyrna.  His epic poem Posthomerica covers the period between the end of Homer's Iliad and the end of the Trojan War. Its primary importance is as the earliest surviving work to cover this period, the archaic works in the Epic Cycle, which he knew and drew upon, having long since been lost. This edition is specially formatted with a Table of Contents and depictions of the Trojan War.

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The Romans - Abigail Graham & Antony Kamm Cover Art

The Romans

The Romans An Introduction by Abigail Graham & Antony Kamm

The Romans: An Introduction is a concise, readable and comprehensive survey of the Roman world, which explores 1,200 years of political, military and cultural history alongside religion, social pressures, literature, art and architecture. This new edition includes updated and revised materials designed to develop analytical skills in literary and material evidence, evoking themes that resonate in both ancient and modern societies: fake news, class struggles, urbanization, concepts of race and gender, imperialism, constitutional power and religious intolerance. The fourth edition incorporates a number of new features and evolving fields: A new chapter on provinces, provincial administration and acculturation in the Roman Empire. An extended chapter on Christianity and Rome’s legacy with new case studies in the reception of Roman culture. An extended chapter on Roman society and daily life, including recent scholarship on gender and race in the ancient world. Integrated use of text and material evidence which is designed to develop analytical skills in critical source assessment. The book’s successful Open Access website updated to include new case studies on emerging topics such as performance politics, religious syncretism, media sensationalism and cultural heritage. Thoroughly updated and redeveloped, this new edition of The Romans will continue to serve as the definitive introduction to the life, history and culture of the Roman world, from its foundation to its significance to later civilizations.

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The Greek World After Alexander 323-30 BC - Graham Shipley Cover Art

The Greek World After Alexander 323-30 BC

The Greek World After Alexander 323-30 BC by Graham Shipley

The Greek World After Alexander 323–30 BC examines social changes in the old and new cities of the Greek world and in the new post-Alexandrian kingdoms. An appraisal of the momentous military and political changes after the era of Alexander, this book considers developments in literature, religion, philosophy, and science, and establishes how far they are presented as radical departures from the culture of Classical Greece or were continuous developments from it. Graham Shipley explores the culture of the Hellenistic world in the context of the social divisions between an educated elite and a general population at once more mobile and less involved in the political life of the Greek city.

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A History of Babylon, 2200 BC - AD 75 - Paul-Alain Beaulieu Cover Art

A History of Babylon, 2200 BC - AD 75

A History of Babylon, 2200 BC - AD 75 by Paul-Alain Beaulieu

Provides a new narrative history of the ancient world, from the beginnings of civilization in the ancient Near East and Egypt to the fall of Constantinople Written by an expert in the field, this book presents a narrative history of Babylon from the time of its First Dynasty (1880-1595) until the last centuries of the city’s existence during the Hellenistic and Parthian periods (ca. 331-75 AD). Unlike other texts on Ancient Near Eastern and Mesopotamian history, it offers a unique focus on Babylon and Babylonia, while still providing readers with an awareness of the interaction with other states and peoples. Organized chronologically, it places the various socio-economic and cultural developments and institutions in their historical context. The book also gives religious and intellectual developments more respectable coverage than books that have come before it. A History of Babylon, 2200 BC – AD 75 teaches readers about the most important phase in the development of Mesopotamian culture. The book offers in-depth chapter coverage on the Sumero-Addadian Background, the rise of Babylon, the decline of the first dynasty, Kassite ascendancy, the second dynasty of Isin, Arameans and Chaldeans, the Assyrian century, the imperial heyday, and Babylon under foreign rule. Focuses on Babylon and Babylonia Written by a highly regarded Assyriologist Part of the very successful Histories of the Ancient World series An excellent resource for students, instructors, and scholars A History of Babylon, 2200 BC - AD 75 is a profound text that will be ideal for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses on Ancient Near Eastern and Mesopotamian history and scholars of the subject.

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Cyropaedia - The Life and Wisdom of Cyrus the Great - Xenophon & Musaicum Press Cover Art

Cyropaedia - The Life and Wisdom of Cyrus the Great

Cyropaedia - The Life and Wisdom of Cyrus the Great Enriched edition. by Xenophon & Musaicum Press

Xenophon's 'Cyropaedia - The Life and Wisdom of Cyrus the Great' is a captivating historical and philosophical work that blends biography with moral teachings. Written in a prose style reminiscent of classical Greek literature, the book chronicles the life of the legendary Persian ruler Cyrus the Great, highlighting his leadership skills, military strategies, and philosophical beliefs. Xenophon's detailed descriptions of political intrigue and battle tactics are complemented by his exploration of Cyrus' character and values, making this work not only an insightful historical account but also a timeless reflection on the nature of power and virtue. Historical and literary scholars alike will appreciate the rich tapestry of culture and wisdom woven into this narrative. Xenophon, a student of Socrates and a veteran of the Persian Expedition, drew on his knowledge of ancient history and military affairs to craft this seminal work. His firsthand experiences with military campaigns and governance lend authenticity to the vivid portrayal of Cyrus and his era. Xenophon's admiration for Cyrus as a ruler and philosopher shines through in his meticulous portrayal, underscoring the complex interplay of politics and ethics in ancient empires. I highly recommend 'Cyropaedia' to readers interested in classical literature, ancient history, and political philosophy. Xenophon's masterful storytelling and profound insights into leadership and morality make this work a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the timeless lessons of one of history's most enigmatic figures. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.