The Ancient Greeks For Dummies

by Stephen J. Batchelor

The civilisation of the Ancient Greeks has been immensely influential on the language, politics, educational systems, philosophy, science and arts of Western culture. As well as instigating itself as the birthplace of the Olympics, Ancient Greece is famous for its literature, philosophy, mythology and the beautiful architecture- to which thousands of tourists flock every year. This entertaining guide introduces readers to the amazing world of the Ancient Greeks. It offers a complete rundown of Greek history alongside fascinating insights into daily life in Ancient Greece and a captivating overview of Greek mythology. Readers will discover how this ancient culture came to be the cornerstone of Western civilisation and the enormous influence it has had on our language, politics, education, philosophy, science, arts and sport. About the author Steve Batchelor is a lecturer in Classics at Richmond College and has been teaching ancient history for 10 years. He has written reviews for various publications, including History Today , and he has also been involved in running guided historical tours of Greece.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Ebooks

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2008

About the author

Stephen Batchelor has taught Ancient History and Classical Studies for a number of years to a wide variety of student groups. Currently, he is Deputy Head of School at Broomhill Bank School in Tunbridge Wells, England.

Batchelor has travelled extensively in the Mediterranean and worked there as an archaeological tour guide. He has written book reviews for Current Archaeology and History Today. "The Ancient Greeks for Dummies is his first book."

Reviews

[BabyLunLun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always been a history buff. And Dummies History book is the perfect introductory book. Easy and fun to read without all the doom , gloom and serious tone like other history books does

It was so much fun reading about The Ancient Greeks . Their wars, their love of mythology. They are just so fascinating that they change the world

[Rachel Secrist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot of cool things and got me really excited for my trip. Very heavy read and kinda repetitive.

[Naomi Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent general overview of Ancient Greece, but if you’re interested in some things more than others, it’s really mediocre. I had a terrible time getting through the chapters about history and war but better enjoyed the chapters on daily life and mythology. It is a fair starting point and gave me some ideas on what to read next and places to visit, but I’m still giving three stars because the majority of the book was a chore to get through

[Á. · Rating 3 out of 5]

¿Te va a cambiar la vida? no. Pero es una introducción correcta y amena a la Antigua Grecia, igual algo superficial, aunque anima a investigar más por tu propia cuenta. Ahorra la morralla para establecer las bases y que puedas ser el más interesante en el próximo simposio.

[Trevor Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative read

A very good intro to Greek life and times and opens up the way for further studies to be explored.

[Ashlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick guide through Greece's history Before and after it was Greece.

[NaniM · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some weird reason I been really interested with Greek mythology and this book is really a good start for me. Its a very good read and I learn a lot from it. Tho somehow the most chapter I remember is the part where Venus was born from the floating penis..... the image really disturbing somehow... ^^;;

[Tom R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realized while reading this book how much I didn't know about Greek history. What made it so interesting is how much we are still influenced today by what the Greeks came up with thousands of years ago.

[由貴千秋 Brianna-Chan, Daughter of Zeus · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books always entertain me for some reason...Must be the title.

[David Lebron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. A great intro to ancient Greece...

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to Ancient Greece culture. It separates it into different sections, for example, history, mythology, theater, etc.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I was a dummy about a number of aspects of ancient Greece. But this book filled in a lot of missing pieces in both an informative and really funny manner. Sections with titles like "Dealing with the neighbors from hell: the Peloponnesian War" and "having a bad heir day: Alexander's successors" really caught and kept my interest. I have to admit that going to Greece this summer added to my reason for reading this book. But since it was so interesting, I may even read "the Ancient Egyptians for Dummies".