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Short Oxford History of Europe

Classical Greece, 500-323 B.C.

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Classical Greece provides an analysis of the physical setting of and the archaic legacy to the classical city, its economy, its civic and religious institutions, the waging of war between cities, the occurrence and ancient analysis of conflict within the city, and the private life of the citizen, finishing with history through the fifth and fourth centuries. Robin Osborne presents us with a concise, comprehensive, and authoritative book that will be enjoyed by classics and history students; students taking courses in classical Greek literature, philosophy, art, and archaeology; academics; and general readers alike.

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

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Robin Osborne

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Carmen Tudor.
Author 22 books14 followers
February 23, 2015
I quite enjoyed this book. Of interest to me were the passages dealing with the daily lives of Athens' citizens, including societal issues, religious practices and the place of women and children in the 500-323BC period.
Profile Image for Roberto Yoed.
821 reviews
October 28, 2025
An incredible synthesis of the ancient greece: History, politics, economy, culture, gastronomy, sexuality, housing, art, tragedies, myths, and some leaders.

I'd say it only fails on the religious and philosophical aspects (few data), but overall a great work that could be used as introductory.

The biggest achievement of this book is presenting geographically ancient greece not only as Athens, but also Sparta, Thebes, and other important settlements. In an individual level, male citizens of course had their privileges and upper hand (politically and culturally speaking), but without slaves and peasants the glory of antiquity would be nothing.
Profile Image for Steklina.
183 reviews33 followers
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January 23, 2018
Pozor na české vydání! Jde o mizerný překlad, ve kterém překladatel a redaktorka nejen že projevili neznalosti antických reálií a norem pro přepis a skloňování řeckých jmen, ale také neschopnost si dohledat správné české termíny pro mnohé jevy. Z chybného použití předložek u geografických názvů vyplývá, že vůbec netušili, zda jde o město, ostrov či nějakou oblast. I čtenář znalý alespoň trochu řeckých dějin bude muset zřejmě googlit, aby zjistil, kdo to byl Starý oligarcha, a zapojit fantazii u spojení jako "metické ženy". V překladu se objevují i faktické chyby: netuším, jak mohl někdo "battle with the Giants" přeložit jako "válka s otroky". Ve srovnání s tímto mi naprostá nahodilost délek u vokálů v řeckých jménech přijde jako naprostá marginálie.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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