Ancient Cities - Greek and Roman Religion, Law, and Institutions Research

Author: Fustel de Coulanges
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: A classic work on ancient Greek and Roman society, this book emphasizes the significant influence of early religion on the social organization of Greek and Roman societies. The author argues that the formation of urban societies in Greece and Rome was based on the irreconcilable independent beliefs of various states. Later, this pluralistic belief gradually gave way to a single belief, leading to the decline of the city-state system, where city-states were replaced by empires. The purpose of this book is to demonstrate the principles and regulations that governed Greek and Roman societies. Since the Greeks and Romans were two branches of the same nation, speaking two dialects of the same language, sharing similar political systems and government principles, and experiencing a series of similar revolutions, we study them together. We will strive to clearly illustrate in this book the main and essential differences between these ancient peoples and modern society. Our education system makes us familiar with the Greeks and Romans from a young age and accustomed to constantly comparing them with themselves, judging their history by our own experiences, and explaining our revolutions with their experiences. The legacy we have inherited from them makes us believe that we are very similar to them. It is difficult to see them as foreigners, and we almost always see ourselves in them. This has led to many mistakes. When we view them through the lens of our own era and facts, it is inevitable that we will misunderstand the ancients. A classic work on ancient Greek and Roman society, this book emphasizes the significant influence of early religion on the social organization of Greek and Roman societies. The author argues that the formation of urban societies in Greece and Rome was based on the irreconcilable independent beliefs of various states. Later, this pluralistic belief gradually gave way to a single belief, leading to the decline of the city-state system, where city-states were replaced by empires.