A highly stimulating Very Short Introduction to the history of Ancient Greek civilization, from the first documented use of the Greek language in about 1400 BCE, through the glories of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, to the foundation of the Byzantine empire in about CE 330.

Review from previous edition Paul Cartledge, Cambridge don and doyen of Classicists, once again shows why he is the surest and most engaging guide tot he ancient world. 'Ancient Greece: A history in Eleven Cities' is a tremendously readable tour d'horizon that goes far beyond Athens and Sparta to explore the roots of Greek civilisation.

`Review from previous edition Paul Cartledge, Cambridge don and doyen of Classicists, once again shows why he is the surest and most engaging guide tot he ancient world. 'Ancient Greece: A history in Eleven Cities' is a tremendously readable tour d'horizon that goes far beyond Athens and Sparta to explore the roots of Greek civilisation.' Justin Marozzi, Evening Standard `Paul Cartledge has here pulled off a remarkably clever feat of compression and organization, and will once again place very many readers in his debt. Brilliantly carried through.' Simon Hornblower, co-editor of iThe Oxford Companion to Classical Civilizationr `A wonderfully concise - and witty - introduction to an ever-popular subject.' Sir John Boardman, co-editor of iThe Oxford History of Greece and the Hellenistic Worldr `A rare work, a compelling historical narrative that is also a useful guidebook' Peter Stothard, Wall Street Journal `Cartledge's success lies in his ability to negotiate a path between similarity and difference; with proper scholarly detachment, he stresses how different the Greeks were; with an eye to broader historical trajectories, he reflects on the grounds for their continuing fascination.' Tim Rood, Times Literary Supplement `A rare work, a compelling historical narrative.' Peter Stothard, Wall Street Journal `Thoroughly stimulating book.' Tom Holland, BBC History `Cartledge is master of his subject.' Peter Jones, Literary Review `Paul Cartledge... once again shows why he is the surest and most engaging guide to the ancient world.' Justin Marozzi, Evening Standard `A tremendously readable tour d'horizon that goes far beyond Athens and Sparta to explore the roots of Greek civilization.' Justin Marozzi, Evening Standard `There are many pleasures to be had along Cartledge's mind-broadening route through time and space.' Charlotte Higgins, The Guardian

A unique history of Ancient Greece from the viewpoint of the city - the foundation stone of Greek civilization Focuses on eleven major Greek cities to illuminate the most important and enduring themes in Greek history Includes everything from politics, trade, and travel, to religion, philosophy, and slavery Covers the period from the first documented use of the Greek language around 1400 BCE, through the glories of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, to the foundation of the Byzantine empire in the fourth century CE Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over three million copies sold worldwide

A unique history of Ancient Greece from the viewpoint of the city - the foundation stone of Greek civilization Focuses on eleven major Greek cities to illuminate the most important and enduring themes in Greek history Includes everything from politics, trade, and travel, to religion, philosophy, and slavery Covers the period from the first documented use of the Greek language around 1400 BCE, through the glories of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, to the foundation of the Byzantine empire in the fourth century CE Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over three million copies sold worldwide