Ancient Greece: The Dawn of the Western World

Author: (Italian) Duan Tao, translated by Ma Ming, Lu Yongzhen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Even if we acknowledge that ancient Greece is the undeniable source of Western civilization, our understanding of it continues to evolve as scholars reinterpret original historical records and archaeologists excavate new sites. The superiority of Greece was recognized only among scholars. The tangible heritage of ancient Greece attracts a vast number of tourists, unparalleled in the world; the art and drama of Greece's classical period still possess the power to touch our hearts. Ancient Greece—The Dawn of the Western World uniquely combines the history, civilization, culture, and art of ancient Greece in a way that no other publication has attempted. Through over 1,000 high-quality photographs most of which have never been published before, the book takes readers on an exciting journey of discovery. At the beginning, the book provides a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the history of Greece from its origins to the Roman conquest. It then explores the lives of the ancient Greeks, including their dwellings, jewelry, religion, theater, warfare, and athletic competitions. From the abstract purity of Cycladic idols to the absolute perfection of the classical era and the stylistic excess of the Hellenistic period, the book describes the artistic journey and unparalleled architecture of ancient Greece in a documentary style. The book features numerous stunning photographs of ancient Greek sites and specially created, highly detailed reconstructions of Greece's most significant monumental buildings, set against their original historical backgrounds, with vibrant colors. The book concludes with a virtual archaeological tour, taking readers across Greece, Asia Minor, and the Greek settlements in southern Italy. From the Acropolis of Athens to the Doric temple in the ancient Greek city of Paestum (Paestum) on the southern Italian coast, readers can explore all of Greece's most significant monumental buildings. This book is part of the Light of Ancient Civilizations series. Through its rich content filled with new and reliable information, complemented by a series of high-quality photographs and reconstructions, it allows readers to rediscover the land of Greece, where the oldest and most authentic source of Western civilization can be found, as well as the world of the Greeks—their historical development, cultural insights, and art. The book is written in a fluid style, deeply engaging readers both emotionally and intellectually, while also making the subject accessible to those unfamiliar with it. More than just a description, it is a journey. Accompanied by hundreds of photographs, some aerial views, and detailed reconstructions of plants and ancient Greek architecture, it allows us to appreciate the azure skies of the Mediterranean and the immense cultural and artistic heritage beneath them.