The Ancient Greeks: A Critical History

by John V.A. Fine

An esteemed teacher offers a major reassessment of the history of Greece from prehistoric times to the rise of Alexander. This is a work of prodigious scholarship written in grand style. John Fine surveys the archaeological work that has revealed so much about the civilization of Crete and Mycenaean Greece, and discusses the age of colonization during which Greek colonies were established from the Crimea to the Nile, from the Caucasus to Spain. Analyzing social and economic developments, as well as foreign and inter-city affairs, he assesses the history, culture, and democracy of Athens, and Sparta's institutions and military exploits; recounts the Greeks' relations and then war with the Persian empire; details alliances, struggles, and the varying fortunes of the Greek city-states; and relates the rise of Macedon. Fine treats the Greeks' story in the context of events elsewhere in the eastern Mediterranean. Throughout he indicates the nature of the evidence on which our present knowledge is based, masterfully explaining the problems and pit-falls in interpreting ancient accounts. The Ancient Greeks is a splendid narrative history and a refreshing reinterpretation that will please students of ancient history, and everyone interested in early civilizations.

Genres: History, Ancient History, Nonfiction, Greece, Ancient, Classical Studies, Collections

736 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a popular history will usually give a coherent narrative account, a scholarly history, particularly one dealing with periods of history not well documented, will digress to qualifications, reservations, alternative interpretations and notable lacunae. Fine's 'Ancient Greeks' does just that, presuming considerable knowledge on the part of his readers--as well as a detailed map of the poleis.

Relying on the two minimal maps provided in the book required jumping back and forth so much that I often got lost. So, too, the qualifications which, while important, interrupted the narrative. It was tough going!

This is primarily a political history from hypotheses about prehistorical Greece to the Makedonian conquest--all in (only) 800 pages. The cast of persons and places is enormous. Being pretty familiar with the Persian wars, the 'age of Pericles' and the reign of Agesilaos, I followed some of Fine's account pretty easily and appreciated his numerous caveats, but with much of the rest I just skimmed the surface.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ancient Greeks: A Critical History
John V.A. Fine
Read it in old water worn Hardcover at 744 pages with Biblio and Index

OTC's second Historic Side Pot Selection, coming off the heels of Egypt we decided that Greece was he next logical selection. We came upon The Ancient Greeks: A Critical History which weighed in at 744 pages intended to cover pre-historic Greece to the rise of Phillip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great.

It didn't let us down.

Fine draws on a vast amount of source material and stands on his predecessors shoulders to deliver a tomb that is very complete and detailed, despite it's 'critical' moniker. This was actually everything I wanted, although some of my new historic cohorts found it a little too text-book for them. Fine does a great job and I never felt myself questioning any of the topics or events that transpires beyond what we know from excavations, and history. Much like all history, especially that of antiquity, the reader and without doubt the historian wishes for more materials. Greece is no different and Fine isn't hesitant to point out when a particular opinion/position on an event lacks supporting evidence for the claim and is even nice enough to include historians with varying positions into the conversation. Something I very much appreciate. Fine is pretty historic in his telling and while there are some elements of embellishment and flavor it is a history book through and through and at 744 pages covering hundreds of years of history Fine had little room to flavor the text with presumptions.

More precise books can be found on any given event within Greek history (Persian War, Birth of Democracy in Athens, Peloponnesian War, etc.) but this is a fantastically detailed view of Greece from its rise to its eventual subjection under Macedonia in which fine cuts no corners.

Highly recommended to someone interested in Greek history, especially as a starting point to the world of antiquity Greece.

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've learn a lot from this book. I've read Greek history for decades, and learned more from this book than from all the others I've read together.

[Victor Whitman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an outstanding Greek history that runs from the Mycenaean period all the way through to Philip's conquest. It is very dense, though. It took me for ever to read. Also provides very few maps. As for analysis, though, it is probably the best I have read so far.

[reoccurrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty difficult to get through! While I appreciated the critical analysis of Ancient Greek sources, the whole thing was very very dry. It was a rewarding read though