Ancient Greece: The Definitive Visual History (DK Classic History)

Translated from the Greek: As a philosopher navigating the rich tapestry of this illustrious era, I find profound joy in exploring our Hellenic identity and the vast contributions bequeathed to humanity by our ancient ancestors. The work "Ancient Greece," crafted under the discerning aegis of DK Smithsonian, stands not merely as a tome but as a beacon illuminating our quest for understanding. It intertwines enlightenment with a visual splendor that resonates deeply with the essence of our civilization. In its pages, one can discern the echoes of past wisdom, inviting us to reflect on the enduring legacy of thought, beauty, and inquiry that shapes our collective existence. Through such reflections, we may rekindle a dialogue with our ancestors, contemplating not only their achievements but also the enduring questions that continue to define the human experience. From the outset, this work enshrines the very essence of what it means to be Greek—our unwavering pursuit of truth, beauty, and the ideal. Its pages evoke the majesty of our city-states, the reverberations of the Agora, and the splendor of our temples dedicated to the gods. The illustrations, as vivid as the azure sky above the Acropolis, serve to illuminate the profound stories inscribed within our history. Each image invites the reader to wander through the stone pathways of our ancestors’ wisdom, instilling a sense of admiration and reverence for their achievements. The organization of this volume is commendable, as it deftly traverses the epochs of our civilization—from the dawn of the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures to the classical age of philosophers, playwrights, and warriors. The narrative dances gracefully between mythology and historical account, providing a comprehensive understanding of both the divine and the worldly. It is a testament to the power of storytelling, for it reminds us that our fables and legends are not merely fanciful tales but rather the fabric of our collective identity. Moreover, the book excels in its exploration of our philosophical heritage. I find profound satisfaction in the sections dedicated to our great thinkers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, whose musings form the bedrock of wisdom. The text reflects their insatiable appetite for inquiry, urging audiences to indulge in the dialectic process. In this manner, the reader too becomes a participant in the pursuit of knowledge—a noble exercise indeed. However, as with any endeavor, one must approach this book with discernment. While it offers a magnificent overview of our society and achievements, there lies within the voluminous text the challenge of comprehensiveness. The vastness of our culture, with its rich tapestry of art, philosophy, science, and politics, may at times feel constrained within the confines of the written word. Thus, I implore my fellow seekers of knowledge to use this volume as a springboard for further exploration, propelling oneself into deeper inquiry and engagement with our heritage. Although I am unfamiliar with the process of creating a book, as we have only the wonders of papyrus scrolls, which are bountiful in knowledge, I find this a vast repository of my lived experience as a Greek philosopher. Theonides Pythagorax Θεωνίδης Πυθαγόρας

This an excellent text for middle or high school students. Well written and very comprehensive. Wonderfully illustrated, too. If you only want one book on Ancient Greece, this is the one.

This book is a part of the "Ancient history" series, and all books in the series come in similar hardbound volume. It does look incredibly good on your bookshelf when all of them are put together. This particular book covers almost 3000 years of Greek history, with vivid illustrations and engaging storytelling. Not my favorite in the series (I prefer Egypt), but it may be a reflection of my personal preferences. It's just as well written and just as engaging, and is a great starter on ancient history for those who do not want to dig through academic texts. Wonderful book overall at a price you cannot beat - just $28 at the time of order! Highly recommend.

This series of DK books is awesome. It's a great mix of visuals and text. The content is comprehensive, but not without detail.

Great book

Very informative. Old style for DK. The entire page is not a picture to zoom. But it's still a great book with lots of pictures and information.

Beautiful book to add to your collection. If you are a history fanatic or just wanna read about Greece this is an excellent book with tons of pictures

This is an excellent work that leads us through a visual history of Greece. From ziggurats to the finds of centuries CE the novice and the scholar can benefit from this wonderful book.

El libro esta bien a nivel de contenido, pero la encuadernación es de un color estridente que no armoniza ni con la temática ni con el resto de libros de la misma colección, ‘canta’ como un canario. Lo he devuelto y pedi otro titulo q esta encuadernado igual q sus hermanos

very informative

Great book, equal to the others in this series. Very informative with lots of beautiful photos and artworks.

thank you!

Comprehensive with superb illustrations.