This volume is clearly designed as a textbook for use in high school, particularly at GCSE level. Specific chapters deal with all the main topics of any course in Greek civilisation, namely religion, the Olympic Games, Athens and Sparta.
The first chapter provides an excellent overview of the history of ancient Greece from the Minoans to the Hellenistic kingdoms. The achievements of Evans and Schliemann are acknowledged, as are the mistakes of the latter in interpreting the stratigraphy of Troy. That there was continuity in the practice of Greek religion from the fall of the Mycenaeans is demonstrated by mention of Dionysus in the Linear B tablets. The possibility of Hittite involvement in the Trojan War is mentioned, but the difficulties of this interpretation are clearly acknowledged, and it is one of the aspects of the study of ancient Greece that such continuing mysteries make the subject so alluring. R. brings the reader up to date with current research. As he explains, we no longer make reference to the ‘Dark Age’, but the Early Iron Age. At this point, reference to Lefkandi is quite rightly made.
The Classical period is dealt with in an informed and lucid way, with clearly labelled sections moving from colonisation, to the Persians and the ultimate conflict between Athens and Sparta. Along the way, the two conflicting stories of the Marathon runner are explained. In the historical summary of the opening of the Peloponnesian War, I was hoping that reference would be made to the work of D. Kagan. Sure enough, in the section of ‘Further Reading’, there it was. The secondary works referred to throughout are both relevant and modern. There is a pertinent reassessment of the character and achievements of Alexander the Great.
In Chapter 6 the development and workings of Athenian democracy are well explained, and ancient and modern criticisms of the system are noted. The subsequent chapter on Athenian drama gives a full explanation of its various facets: the layout of the theatre, the various items of machinery in use, the location and layout of the theatre of Dionysus and the religious aspect to dramatic festivals. Given the importance of music in the Greek world, there is a very informative appendix on Greek musical instruments. The paucity of sources about the lot of women has always been a problem, but R. gives a very poignant explanation of their role in Athenian society.
Chapter 8 deals with Sparta. As well as providing factual explanations of the topography, history, political structure and society, R. has no qualms about pointing out Spartan brutality, and the malign influence it had on the Nazi party. He also explains the irony that the Spartan sacrifice at Thermopylae ultimately allowed Athenian culture to flourish.
Throughout, R. goes a long way in describing the geography and topography of Greece and its settlements, which did so much to determine the development and expansion of Greek culture. In the relevant chapters of the book, there are clearly labelled plans of the main archaeological sites, such as Delphi, Olympia, the Agora, etc. Although it is not a stated intention of the book, such illustrations, along with the written descriptions of them, would make this a useful guidebook for visitors to those sites.
The website, with free access, which supports the text, is excellent. It is attractively laid out and easy to navigate. There are a variety of links, but not so many as to make the site confusing or overwhelming. On the contrary, a student or teacher will find a clear programme offering access to further resources, academic debate and online quizzes which are challenging enough, but not too much so, for a student approaching this subject for the first time.
One of the many impressive aspects of this book is the way in which it directs students to original resources through sites such as Perseus, etc. Through boxes entitled ‘In Their Own Words’, students are directed to a passage in English translation and asked some pertinent questions about it. A teacher will find these sections a great resource in giving students an opportunity to examine the primary sources and engage in self-directed learning.
Any teacher of Classical Civilisation, or, indeed, Ancient Greek will wish to have a copy of this book to hand for easy reference. I have no doubt that it should be the standard classroom text for some time to come. It offers a very full programme of study. The factual material is logically presented. R. has clearly made use of the most up-to-date studies of all the material. Frequent ‘Review and Reflect’ sections are provocative, and raise issues that are relevant even today, such as slavery and the place of women in society. There is in this volume, and the accompanying website, more than enough resources for any teacher to choose from.
That we live in a less squeamish and more enlightened age is demonstrated by the direct way in which R. deals not only with Sappho and Lesbos, but Sapphic and Lesbian; with the Sacred Band of Thebes; and, illustrated in all its proud glory, a herm.
