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Thames Hudson 5... a Day
古雅典穿越指南
像一个公元前5世纪的旅客一样观光、购物、体验！
在这里，世界上第一个民主国家的中心，你可以在市场上与苏格拉底辩论，在集会上诘问政客，在剧院里为阿里斯托芬的荒唐喜剧捧腹。除了这些最伟大的哲学家、作家和艺术家，你还可以在集市和剧院遇到普通的雅典人，了解这个历史上最非凡的城市的真实性格。
帕特农神庙——这一历史上最美丽的神庙，代表着雅典的精神。穿过喧闹的城市来到这里，此时此处，作为西方文化基石的思想正如坛上的鲜花一样新鲜美丽。
本书是图文系列书“古都穿越指南”之一。作者以诙谐幽默的语言，为读者带来了穿越回到公元前432年的古雅典所需要的一切。
作者从出行之前的准备开始，逐渐引入近郊的建筑、城门，再到城内的景点、花园，如何度过一天等等，再到拜会名人、购物、读来轻松有趣，通过大量的历史文献和图片，作者将两千多年前的雅典呈现得如在目前。
在这里，世界上第一个民主国家的中心，你可以在市场上与苏格拉底辩论，在集会上诘问政客，在剧院里为阿里斯托芬的荒唐喜剧捧腹。除了这些最伟大的哲学家、作家和艺术家，你还可以在集市和剧院遇到普通的雅典人，了解这个历史上最非凡的城市的真实性格。
帕特农神庙——这一历史上最美丽的神庙，代表着雅典的精神。穿过喧闹的城市来到这里，此时此处，作为西方文化基石的思想正如坛上的鲜花一样新鲜美丽。
本书是图文系列书“古都穿越指南”之一。作者以诙谐幽默的语言，为读者带来了穿越回到公元前432年的古雅典所需要的一切。
作者从出行之前的准备开始，逐渐引入近郊的建筑、城门，再到城内的景点、花园，如何度过一天等等，再到拜会名人、购物、读来轻松有趣，通过大量的历史文献和图片，作者将两千多年前的雅典呈现得如在目前。
153 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
6 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Philip Matyszak
62 books281 followersPhilip Matyszak is a British nonfiction author, primarily of historical works relating to ancient Rome. Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford. In addition to being a professional author, he also teaches ancient history for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 22, 2008
Sequel to "Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day" -- that one could be described as "Falco gets a gig writing for Lonely Planet", while this one struck me as an episode of Mr. Peabody (author) and Sherman (reader) visiting Athens via the Way Back Machine.
March 30, 2019
Este é um excelente livro para quem quer uma introdução a Atenas Antiga. A escrita é simples e clara mas recheada de informação e está muito cativante e consegue prender a atenção do leitor. O autor conseguiu realmente fazer como se fosse um guia turístico da época e, a certa altura, é como se estivessemos a passear pelas ruas de Atenas! Aliás, sempre que ia começar a ler volta e meia dizia a piada que "pronto, vou até Atenas por um pedaço". É um livro muito bom para qualquer pessoa interessada na Grécia Antiga e principalmente a entender como funcionava o dia-a-dia e a vida no quotidiano Ateniense.
July 22, 2009
This is an informative, entertaining book about ancient Athens, presented in the form of a modern travel guide. I thought Matyszak's first book, "Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day" was better, but since ancient Rome is his field of expertise, that's not such a surprise. Where that book was truly engaging, with an immediacy that put me right in the Rome of AD 200, this book is merely interesting. I didn't feel a connection with ancient Athens, possibly in part because I am a woman, and women in that setting were primarily confined to their houses, making them nearly invisible in this depiction. Despite the more textbook feel of this book compared to the earlier one, I enjoyed it very much. I thought the sections on architecture and politics were particularly strong. I would definitely recommend this for anyone with an interest in classical Greece or plans to visit Athens.
April 15, 2018
Interesting.
September 9, 2024
This book is the perfect light, easy, fun but also informative and curious read for lovers of history, the history of ancient Greece or just those curious about it. I must admit that many of the "funny" facts were new, and it made me laugh on many occasions, and a book with art inside is always the best option for me. Perfect for busy days or a bus trip, for when you want to read something simple but good
July 2, 2014
I’m not sure if it’s the writing or the subject matter, but the book left me with no desire to visit ancient Athens or to learn more.
There were a few interesting facts, but the book never really came together as a whole. There was no sense of the city itself, more just a list of some bits and pieces about various wars, philosophers, and military leaders.
April 21, 2020
Üks parimaid raamatuid, mida ma olen Vana-Kreeka kohta lugenud. Kuigi nimi viitab justkui sellele, et käsitluses on ainult Ateena, siis tegelikult kapatakse raamatu jooksul läbi väga lai hulk teemasid.
Raamatu plussiks on lihtsus ja selgus, mis aitavad kaasa tervikpildi tekkimisele. Kindlasti soovitan Vana-Kreeka uurimist alustada just sellest raamatust.
Raamatu plussiks on lihtsus ja selgus, mis aitavad kaasa tervikpildi tekkimisele. Kindlasti soovitan Vana-Kreeka uurimist alustada just sellest raamatust.
November 26, 2020
I bought this book to help me better understand the context for an academic game that my students play (Reacting to the Past, Threshold of Democracy: Athens in 403 BCE) and it did not disappoint.
This "travel guide" is set around 431 BCE before the start of the Peloponnesian War. The reader is invited to move through the geography of the greater Athens area from battlefields in the NE (Thermopylae and Marathon) past Delphi before getting closer to the most famous elements of the city-state of Athens: the Acropolis, Agora, Pynx within the walls and the Port or Pireaus and Eleusis well beyond the walls but still key to Athenian life.
For the last three fall semesters, I have immersed myself with details about Athens, Attica, and Hellenic culture in order to better teach my students about democracy in Athens and the 12-20 characters based on history that my students portray in this reenactment game. Nevertheless, Matyszak collects rich detail that required me to slow my reading down--in a good way. I have an enriched understanding of Athenian life that the classical texts and contemporary histories do not provide. This passage helps me better explain to my students the setting for The Republic:
"By night, the Athenians are emphatically party people. The rich like to indulge in symposiums. These are parties which may be refined affairs in which the protagonists drink watered wine and discuss the affairs of the universe" (52). And later "The guests (usually 15 to 30 people) retire to the man's room, the andron, and settle on couches, one or two per couch. . . .After the mal, the plates (and sometimes the tables) are removed and the symposium formally begins with prayers and libations. A libation is a liquid offering to the gods, in this case literally an invitation to the deities to have a tipple with the rest of the group" (80).
And this passage helps me explain the value of money within the Agora:
"The largest denomination of coins you are likely to come across is the tetradrachm, or silver stater, but it is not very common, as it represents about a week's wagers for a skilled artisan. Even a regular citizen doing jury duty gets only a half a drachma a day, so the regular currency of every day commerce is chalkoi and obols" (57).
And these passages about military duty and its effect on marriage:
"All able-bodied Athenian males aged between 17 and 59 do military service" (103).
"Veteran soldiers and those under the age of 19 do garrison duty in Athens and Attica, while the rest of the men are on active military service" (104).
"Men tend to marry at about age 30 after completing their initial military service" (108).
"Girls marry before age 20 and often at age 15" (108).
That last quote led me to write this annotation on page 108: "Ton of Widows!" By this I mean that Athens must have a significant number of widows--war widows or those widowed because their spouse is significantly older.
Also valuable are the many line drawings, maps, and full-color images of pottery, maps, statues, and buildings. Again, I have spent hours each fall learning about Athens and Greek culture; nevertheless, the authors expertise has put many well-chosen items right under my nose in one handy book.
I am tempted to include this book--not just as a reference for me--but as a second textbook for the RTTP model of teaching using the game set in Athens 403 BCE.
This "travel guide" is set around 431 BCE before the start of the Peloponnesian War. The reader is invited to move through the geography of the greater Athens area from battlefields in the NE (Thermopylae and Marathon) past Delphi before getting closer to the most famous elements of the city-state of Athens: the Acropolis, Agora, Pynx within the walls and the Port or Pireaus and Eleusis well beyond the walls but still key to Athenian life.
For the last three fall semesters, I have immersed myself with details about Athens, Attica, and Hellenic culture in order to better teach my students about democracy in Athens and the 12-20 characters based on history that my students portray in this reenactment game. Nevertheless, Matyszak collects rich detail that required me to slow my reading down--in a good way. I have an enriched understanding of Athenian life that the classical texts and contemporary histories do not provide. This passage helps me better explain to my students the setting for The Republic:
"By night, the Athenians are emphatically party people. The rich like to indulge in symposiums. These are parties which may be refined affairs in which the protagonists drink watered wine and discuss the affairs of the universe" (52). And later "The guests (usually 15 to 30 people) retire to the man's room, the andron, and settle on couches, one or two per couch. . . .After the mal, the plates (and sometimes the tables) are removed and the symposium formally begins with prayers and libations. A libation is a liquid offering to the gods, in this case literally an invitation to the deities to have a tipple with the rest of the group" (80).
And this passage helps me explain the value of money within the Agora:
"The largest denomination of coins you are likely to come across is the tetradrachm, or silver stater, but it is not very common, as it represents about a week's wagers for a skilled artisan. Even a regular citizen doing jury duty gets only a half a drachma a day, so the regular currency of every day commerce is chalkoi and obols" (57).
And these passages about military duty and its effect on marriage:
"All able-bodied Athenian males aged between 17 and 59 do military service" (103).
"Veteran soldiers and those under the age of 19 do garrison duty in Athens and Attica, while the rest of the men are on active military service" (104).
"Men tend to marry at about age 30 after completing their initial military service" (108).
"Girls marry before age 20 and often at age 15" (108).
That last quote led me to write this annotation on page 108: "Ton of Widows!" By this I mean that Athens must have a significant number of widows--war widows or those widowed because their spouse is significantly older.
Also valuable are the many line drawings, maps, and full-color images of pottery, maps, statues, and buildings. Again, I have spent hours each fall learning about Athens and Greek culture; nevertheless, the authors expertise has put many well-chosen items right under my nose in one handy book.
I am tempted to include this book--not just as a reference for me--but as a second textbook for the RTTP model of teaching using the game set in Athens 403 BCE.
September 17, 2024
Leí este libro antes que el de Roma para tener una idea más clara de lo que podría esperar de esta saga, la cual pretende transportarnos a distintos momentos y lugares icónicos de la historia de la humanidad.
Aunque me entretuvo, esperaba un poco más. Me hubiera gustado que se profundizara en el verdadero día a día de las personas de la época, más allá de lo que se describe en general (al menos en lo que se conoce o se presume). Es cierto que "ver" los lugares a través de las detalladas descripciones es magnífico, pero esperaba un enfoque más sólido en el estilo de vida de las personas.
A pesar de ello, el texto es bastante entretenido. Sin embargo, debo destacar que la traducción no fue la mejor. El uso de términos coloquiales españoles me resultó algo fuera de lugar; habría preferido una traducción más neutral, sin regionalismos marcados.
Claridad y enfoque del tema (1/1): No es el primer libro que leo del autor, y siempre he admirado la exhaustiva investigación que realiza para abordar sus temas. Es un texto accesible tanto para quienes no están familiarizados con la historia como para los más expertos.
Calidad de la narrativa (0.5/1): Desafortunadamente, la traducción deja algo que desear. Aunque imagino que el texto en su idioma original es más preciso, la narrativa sigue siendo agradable y fluida. Sin embargo, habría sido útil incluir notas al pie para algunas palabras en griego y latín.
Diseño de la portada (1/1): Dado que forma parte de una saga, creo que el diseño podría mejorarse para destacar más, pero aun así es bastante claro y cumple su propósito.
Calidad del material y presentación (0.5/1): La encuadernación en pasta dura, las fotografías y las ilustraciones mantienen un buen estándar de calidad. No obstante, creo que la diagramación podría ser más cuidadosa.
Conexión personal y emocional (0/1): Tal como mencioné, mis expectativas respecto al libro eran diferentes. Aunque le resto puntos en este aspecto, debo reconocer que esta es mi opinión personal, y puede que otros lectores hayan quedado más satisfechos. Sin embargo, siento que el contenido se queda corto en relación a lo que el título promete.
Aunque me entretuvo, esperaba un poco más. Me hubiera gustado que se profundizara en el verdadero día a día de las personas de la época, más allá de lo que se describe en general (al menos en lo que se conoce o se presume). Es cierto que "ver" los lugares a través de las detalladas descripciones es magnífico, pero esperaba un enfoque más sólido en el estilo de vida de las personas.
A pesar de ello, el texto es bastante entretenido. Sin embargo, debo destacar que la traducción no fue la mejor. El uso de términos coloquiales españoles me resultó algo fuera de lugar; habría preferido una traducción más neutral, sin regionalismos marcados.
Claridad y enfoque del tema (1/1): No es el primer libro que leo del autor, y siempre he admirado la exhaustiva investigación que realiza para abordar sus temas. Es un texto accesible tanto para quienes no están familiarizados con la historia como para los más expertos.
Calidad de la narrativa (0.5/1): Desafortunadamente, la traducción deja algo que desear. Aunque imagino que el texto en su idioma original es más preciso, la narrativa sigue siendo agradable y fluida. Sin embargo, habría sido útil incluir notas al pie para algunas palabras en griego y latín.
Diseño de la portada (1/1): Dado que forma parte de una saga, creo que el diseño podría mejorarse para destacar más, pero aun así es bastante claro y cumple su propósito.
Calidad del material y presentación (0.5/1): La encuadernación en pasta dura, las fotografías y las ilustraciones mantienen un buen estándar de calidad. No obstante, creo que la diagramación podría ser más cuidadosa.
Conexión personal y emocional (0/1): Tal como mencioné, mis expectativas respecto al libro eran diferentes. Aunque le resto puntos en este aspecto, debo reconocer que esta es mi opinión personal, y puede que otros lectores hayan quedado más satisfechos. Sin embargo, siento que el contenido se queda corto en relación a lo que el título promete.
February 28, 2020
Full review: https://swiftcoffee.blog/2019/11/19/a...
The idea here is a trip guide to ancient Athens, and not the modern, today-one. And it is fantastic! Like, it’s written in the style of a modern travel book, with chapters for different themes and descriptions of events, places, people, history, but it’s written from a perspective of a chosen time during the ancient times…as if your trip is there and then. I loved it!
The idea here is a trip guide to ancient Athens, and not the modern, today-one. And it is fantastic! Like, it’s written in the style of a modern travel book, with chapters for different themes and descriptions of events, places, people, history, but it’s written from a perspective of a chosen time during the ancient times…as if your trip is there and then. I loved it!
March 8, 2024
Wonderful book!
The style of a travel guide really gives you the feeling
that you could just step into your time machine and visit ancient Athens!
I also really love all those details about everyday life in it!
The style of a travel guide really gives you the feeling
that you could just step into your time machine and visit ancient Athens!
I also really love all those details about everyday life in it!
March 29, 2018
Täitsa tore ja tulevikus ärakasutatav. Ja kuna sama autori Rooma reisijuht olevat isegi parem, siis tekkis uudishimu küll.
July 23, 2018
One of the best "history-lite" books I've ever read: informative and funny. A terrific portrait of a city at its peak showing highlights and low points. Great fun.
March 28, 2019
Not as humorous as the Ancient Egypt one but still a good read
July 24, 2020
Actually 3,5 stars but good enough. It was cute, for a history (ancient world in particular) fan this speaks to my imagination but some of the subjects were really too briefly mentioned.
January 31, 2021
3,5 sterren , ik vond het boek wat minder dan de andere boeken die ik van deze onderhoudende schrijver gelezen heb , ik werd minder meegezogen in het verhaal dan bij zijn andere boeken
April 4, 2024
Mildly entertaining book set up as travelers guidebook. Had a few facts about the ancient Greek world I didn't know. the one about where the Athenians carried their money was very surprising.
May 6, 2025
Fun read for anyone interested in Ancient Athens.
June 10, 2013
*3.2 Stars*
Scorecard: (Out of 10)
* Quality of Writing - 6
* Pace - 5
* Plot development - 5
* Characters - 6
* Enjoyability -7
* Insightfulness - 8
* Ease of Reading - 7
* Photos/Illustrations - 7
Final Score: 51/80 = 64%
*The Gush*
What I like about these travel books is how much you learn even though you feel you’re not learning at all. It doesn’t feel like a lesson or a boring history book yet I learned far more from this small book then any class I ever took on the subject. Setting it up as a travel guide allows the author to detail the society, the culture, the traditions – in short, the essence of the people while also providing the historical backdrop necessary for understanding. The chapters are broken up for easy understanding and the pace flows logically if a bit disjointedly.
The true gem of this book is the humor the author inserts so perfectly throughout the text. One of the best examples is the following: “A symposium may involve a discussion of Sophocles’ use of divine allegory…On the other hand, the symposium may be something considerably less refined, involving drunken carousing with naked flute girls, smashing of furniture…Or something between the two extremes. Select according to taste.” Loved that. The writing is droll and he gets plenty of these little quips in. The above however does also highlight another aspect of this book. While the author is careful to not…describe certain aspects of life in ancient times, he has to mention them as they were a part of life in those times. So be mindful of your age and the ages of any you suggest this to.
The author also includes references to pop culture: “Research has failed to determine whether Hermione, daughter of Helen of Troy, was surnamed Oikostos (i.e. Granger).” Things like this remind the reader as well how we are still connected to ancient Athens through literature, science, words, etc.
*The Rant*
Having read its sister book Ancient Egypt on 5 Deben a Day, I have to say that over all, the previous book is better. I found the information in this more interesting but the other book has a passion that shows and the reader can’t help but be caught up in it. I was more interested in this book but enjoyed the other one more simply because the author draws me in and makes me interested in the subject.
*Conclusion*
A wonderful way to learn a bit about what’s called the cradle of Western Civilization beyond the historical facts, and see what the culture and the society would be like. While not flawless, it connects well with the casual reader. I will admit, when I heard about these books, I pictured a shelf in the library of the Doctor’s Tardis where he could grab one of these and try to fit in to the world outside his police box. I’ve greatly enjoyed these basically time traveler’s guide books; I suggest you check them out yourself and see how fun they are.
Scorecard: (Out of 10)
* Quality of Writing - 6
* Pace - 5
* Plot development - 5
* Characters - 6
* Enjoyability -7
* Insightfulness - 8
* Ease of Reading - 7
* Photos/Illustrations - 7
Final Score: 51/80 = 64%
*The Gush*
What I like about these travel books is how much you learn even though you feel you’re not learning at all. It doesn’t feel like a lesson or a boring history book yet I learned far more from this small book then any class I ever took on the subject. Setting it up as a travel guide allows the author to detail the society, the culture, the traditions – in short, the essence of the people while also providing the historical backdrop necessary for understanding. The chapters are broken up for easy understanding and the pace flows logically if a bit disjointedly.
The true gem of this book is the humor the author inserts so perfectly throughout the text. One of the best examples is the following: “A symposium may involve a discussion of Sophocles’ use of divine allegory…On the other hand, the symposium may be something considerably less refined, involving drunken carousing with naked flute girls, smashing of furniture…Or something between the two extremes. Select according to taste.” Loved that. The writing is droll and he gets plenty of these little quips in. The above however does also highlight another aspect of this book. While the author is careful to not…describe certain aspects of life in ancient times, he has to mention them as they were a part of life in those times. So be mindful of your age and the ages of any you suggest this to.
The author also includes references to pop culture: “Research has failed to determine whether Hermione, daughter of Helen of Troy, was surnamed Oikostos (i.e. Granger).” Things like this remind the reader as well how we are still connected to ancient Athens through literature, science, words, etc.
*The Rant*
Having read its sister book Ancient Egypt on 5 Deben a Day, I have to say that over all, the previous book is better. I found the information in this more interesting but the other book has a passion that shows and the reader can’t help but be caught up in it. I was more interested in this book but enjoyed the other one more simply because the author draws me in and makes me interested in the subject.
*Conclusion*
A wonderful way to learn a bit about what’s called the cradle of Western Civilization beyond the historical facts, and see what the culture and the society would be like. While not flawless, it connects well with the casual reader. I will admit, when I heard about these books, I pictured a shelf in the library of the Doctor’s Tardis where he could grab one of these and try to fit in to the world outside his police box. I’ve greatly enjoyed these basically time traveler’s guide books; I suggest you check them out yourself and see how fun they are.
March 10, 2011
"Athen für 5 Drachmen am Tag" ist der zweite Band der historischen Reiseführerreihe des Sanssouci Verlages, der den Leser in verschiedene Städte zu ihrer Blütezeit führt, jedoch aufgemacht ist wie ein moderner Reiseführer.
Anders als in "Rom für 5 Denar am Tag" oder "Shakespeares London für 5 Schilling am Tag" ist dieser Band wesendlich deutlicher, was die Adressierung des Reisenden angeht. Es wird ein Reisender der heutigen Zeit angesprochen, der sich auf eine Zeitreise in die Antike begeben möchte. Dies wird zum einen klar durch den teilweise schwarzhumorigen, ironisch flapsigen Schreibstil des Autors, teils durch die häufigen moderneren Zitate wie Schillers "Wanderer, kommst Du nach Sparta, verkündige dorten, du habest uns hier liegen gesehen, wie das Gesetz es befahl" (S. 9), die verwendet werden.
Das Buch ist in etwas eingeteilt wie ein moderner Reiseführer: Anreise, praktische Reisetipps, Die Stadt und ihre Bewohner, Sightseeing, Shopping, Ausflüge und einem kleinen Sprachführer mit nützliches Redewendungen. Jedoch gibt es in kleinen Exkursen wie "Athen in kürze" auch viele kleine Kuriositäten, die den Leser schmunzeln lassen. So ist es im Athen der Antike wohl üblich an die Tür zu klopfen, bevor man das Haus verlasst, um die Passanten zu warnen, Sonst kann es passieren, dass sie die Tür vor den Kopf bekommen (S. 54).
Auch erfährt der politisch interessierte, dass unsere heißgeliebte Demokratie eigentlich eine abwertende, unhöfliche Form ist und korrekterweise Demarchie heißen müsste (S. 86).
Die Symposien werden entmystifiziert und teilweise wird der Reisende sogar gewarnt an ihnen teilzunehmen.
Das Buch ist durchgehend mit Zeichnungen und Fotografien bebildert, ergänzt durch zwei Abschnitte mit großformatigen Bunten Zeichnungen und Fotografien antiker Vasen. Leider ist das Buch in braun gedruckt, was möglicherweise ein Hinweis auf verblichene antike Tinte sein soll, jedoch deutlich unangenehmer als schwarze Schrift zu lesen ist.
Wer nach Athen reist, sollte besonders den Rundgang des Abschnitts "Sehenswürdigkeiten in Athen" an den heute noch existierenden Überresten ausprobieren.
Insgesamt, das bisher beste Büchlein der insgesamt sehr guten Reihe historischer Reiseführer. Ein wunderbare Möglichkeit auch Geschichtsmuffel dazu zu bringen sich mit der Antike oder der Geschichte allgemein auf unterhaltsame Art und Weise zu beschäftigen, ohne dabei zu sehr ins Detail zu gehen und mit Daten und Fakten zu langweilen.
Anders als in "Rom für 5 Denar am Tag" oder "Shakespeares London für 5 Schilling am Tag" ist dieser Band wesendlich deutlicher, was die Adressierung des Reisenden angeht. Es wird ein Reisender der heutigen Zeit angesprochen, der sich auf eine Zeitreise in die Antike begeben möchte. Dies wird zum einen klar durch den teilweise schwarzhumorigen, ironisch flapsigen Schreibstil des Autors, teils durch die häufigen moderneren Zitate wie Schillers "Wanderer, kommst Du nach Sparta, verkündige dorten, du habest uns hier liegen gesehen, wie das Gesetz es befahl" (S. 9), die verwendet werden.
Das Buch ist in etwas eingeteilt wie ein moderner Reiseführer: Anreise, praktische Reisetipps, Die Stadt und ihre Bewohner, Sightseeing, Shopping, Ausflüge und einem kleinen Sprachführer mit nützliches Redewendungen. Jedoch gibt es in kleinen Exkursen wie "Athen in kürze" auch viele kleine Kuriositäten, die den Leser schmunzeln lassen. So ist es im Athen der Antike wohl üblich an die Tür zu klopfen, bevor man das Haus verlasst, um die Passanten zu warnen, Sonst kann es passieren, dass sie die Tür vor den Kopf bekommen (S. 54).
Auch erfährt der politisch interessierte, dass unsere heißgeliebte Demokratie eigentlich eine abwertende, unhöfliche Form ist und korrekterweise Demarchie heißen müsste (S. 86).
Die Symposien werden entmystifiziert und teilweise wird der Reisende sogar gewarnt an ihnen teilzunehmen.
Das Buch ist durchgehend mit Zeichnungen und Fotografien bebildert, ergänzt durch zwei Abschnitte mit großformatigen Bunten Zeichnungen und Fotografien antiker Vasen. Leider ist das Buch in braun gedruckt, was möglicherweise ein Hinweis auf verblichene antike Tinte sein soll, jedoch deutlich unangenehmer als schwarze Schrift zu lesen ist.
Wer nach Athen reist, sollte besonders den Rundgang des Abschnitts "Sehenswürdigkeiten in Athen" an den heute noch existierenden Überresten ausprobieren.
Insgesamt, das bisher beste Büchlein der insgesamt sehr guten Reihe historischer Reiseführer. Ein wunderbare Möglichkeit auch Geschichtsmuffel dazu zu bringen sich mit der Antike oder der Geschichte allgemein auf unterhaltsame Art und Weise zu beschäftigen, ohne dabei zu sehr ins Detail zu gehen und mit Daten und Fakten zu langweilen.
August 3, 2017
- เนิร์ดๆน่าจะชอบเล่มนี้นะ มันเป็นหนังสือประวัติศาสตร์ (เกร็ดประวัติาสตร์) ที่เล่าเรื่องแบบหนังสือนำเที่ยว guide book ซึ่งเอาเข้าจริงเราตื่นเต้นทุกหน้าเพราะบางอย่างเรานึกว่าเรารู้แล้วแต่ยังไม่รู้
เช่น
- โซเครตีสก็ต้องไปรบกับเขาเหมือนกัน แกแต่งงานแล้ว และก็คงจะไม่มีความสุขกับชีวิตสมรสเท่าไหร่ (นึกเอาจาก quote ที่ว่า จงแต่งงานเสียเถิด ถ้าเมียดีเจ้าก็มีความสุข แต่ถ้าไม่ดีเจ้าก็จะได้เป็นนักปรัชญา)
- ชาวเอเธนส์ก็ชนไก่เหมือนกัน
- one man one vote แน่นอนว่าไม่นับรวมผู้หญิงเข้าไป
- เทศกาลละครจะแบ่งเป็นสองช่วงหลักๆคือ ดรามาโศกนาฏกรรม กับ ตลกล้อเลียนเสียดสี
- ชาวเอเธนส์ชอบกินปลา จึงมีเซียนปลาพอๆกับเซียนเหล้าองุ่น พวกนี้เป็นนักวิจารณ์ตัวพ่อ
- ถ้าเราอ่านไม่ผิด ชาวเอเธนส์มีการอมเหรียญด้วย และอาจจะจ่ายด้วยการจูบแล้วใช้ลิ้นตวัดเหรียญไปให้อีกฝ่าย
- คณะผู้ปกครองไม่ใคร่จะชอบให้สร้างรูปปั้นโป๊เปลือยสักเท่าไหร่นัก เพราะมีเรื่องทำนองว่ามีคนจะไปมีอะไรกับรูปปั้น
- หนังสือเล่าเรื่องตั้งแต่สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว (หมายถึงว่าถ้าคุณย้อนเวลาไปในยุคโบราณนั้นจะมีอะไรให้เที่ยวบ้าง) ชาวเอเธนส์รักนักท่องเที่ยวจากต่างแดน พวกเขายินดียอมให้คุณพักแบบไม่ต้องใช้ AirBnB ในยุคนี้ นอกจากสถานที่แล้วยังรวมไปถึงเรื่องราวเหล่าทวยเทพ วิฒนธรรมต่างๆ ผู้คนทั่วไป คนดัง การเมือง เศรษฐกิจ ไปจนถึงงานอดิเรกและเทศกาล จากที่อ่านเล่มนี้แล้ว ถือว่าเป็นเมืองที่มีอะไรให้ทำเยอะมากๆพอสมควร ไม่น่าจะเบื่อกันได้ง่ายๆต่อให้นั่นคือยุคโบราณ
- หนังสือสนุกมาก แต่งานแปลทำได้ไม่ค่อยดีเท่าไหร่ อ่านแล้วมีสะดุดหลายจุดและไม่ลื่นไหล ไม่ก็ต้องอ่านซ้ำสองสามครั้ง ถึงจะเข้าใจ
เช่น
- โซเครตีสก็ต้องไปรบกับเขาเหมือนกัน แกแต่งงานแล้ว และก็คงจะไม่มีความสุขกับชีวิตสมรสเท่าไหร่ (นึกเอาจาก quote ที่ว่า จงแต่งงานเสียเถิด ถ้าเมียดีเจ้าก็มีความสุข แต่ถ้าไม่ดีเจ้าก็จะได้เป็นนักปรัชญา)
- ชาวเอเธนส์ก็ชนไก่เหมือนกัน
- one man one vote แน่นอนว่าไม่นับรวมผู้หญิงเข้าไป
- เทศกาลละครจะแบ่งเป็นสองช่วงหลักๆคือ ดรามาโศกนาฏกรรม กับ ตลกล้อเลียนเสียดสี
- ชาวเอเธนส์ชอบกินปลา จึงมีเซียนปลาพอๆกับเซียนเหล้าองุ่น พวกนี้เป็นนักวิจารณ์ตัวพ่อ
- ถ้าเราอ่านไม่ผิด ชาวเอเธนส์มีการอมเหรียญด้วย และอาจจะจ่ายด้วยการจูบแล้วใช้ลิ้นตวัดเหรียญไปให้อีกฝ่าย
- คณะผู้ปกครองไม่ใคร่จะชอบให้สร้างรูปปั้นโป๊เปลือยสักเท่าไหร่นัก เพราะมีเรื่องทำนองว่ามีคนจะไปมีอะไรกับรูปปั้น
- หนังสือเล่าเรื่องตั้งแต่สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว (หมายถึงว่าถ้าคุณย้อนเวลาไปในยุคโบราณนั้นจะมีอะไรให้เที่ยวบ้าง) ชาวเอเธนส์รักนักท่องเที่ยวจากต่างแดน พวกเขายินดียอมให้คุณพักแบบไม่ต้องใช้ AirBnB ในยุคนี้ นอกจากสถานที่แล้วยังรวมไปถึงเรื่องราวเหล่าทวยเทพ วิฒนธรรมต่างๆ ผู้คนทั่วไป คนดัง การเมือง เศรษฐกิจ ไปจนถึงงานอดิเรกและเทศกาล จากที่อ่านเล่มนี้แล้ว ถือว่าเป็นเมืองที่มีอะไรให้ทำเยอะมากๆพอสมควร ไม่น่าจะเบื่อกันได้ง่ายๆต่อให้นั่นคือยุคโบราณ
- หนังสือสนุกมาก แต่งานแปลทำได้ไม่ค่อยดีเท่าไหร่ อ่านแล้วมีสะดุดหลายจุดและไม่ลื่นไหล ไม่ก็ต้องอ่านซ้ำสองสามครั้ง ถึงจะเข้าใจ
November 20, 2018
I recently read the author’s similar “travel guide” to ancient Rome, and I found this one, for Athens of about 431 BC, just as informative and entertaining. That period probably was the peak of Attic culture, just before the long and destructive and war with Sparta and also, Matyszak says, before the city had lost what remained of its innocence. He assumes the traveler will be hiking down from the north, which gives him the opportunity to tell you a little something about recent history at Thermopylae and Marathon, as well as including a stopover at Delphi. (Greece is not a big place.) Orienting the tourist in how to get along in Athens means descriptions of everyday life and society, the Athenian love of argument and politics (a national sport), and how religious belief cohabits so easily with rational attitudes. Of course, “Athens” really means Attica, but even so, it’s amazing how many great minds actually lived within a few miles of each other at the same moment in the city’s history. As in the Roman guide, the reader is also directed on a series of walking tours, from the Parthenon on the Acropolis, to the Painted Stoa, to the Academy outside the walls, with descriptions of sights along the way. And keep a careful eye out for Socrates -- he’ll bend your ear off if you let him. A terrific book.
July 3, 2013
I picked this one up having enjoyed the author's previous volume on Ancient Rome. This book takes the same approach to its subject, but wasn't quite as successful for me. Perhaps it is Athens' lack of renowned buildings that made the difference, whilst Rome has left a tangible physical inheritance in the shape of the Colosseum, Pantheon, Forum etc. Athens doesn't have so much to offer in comparison, yes there's the Parthenon but other significant construction which was contemporary has been lost over time, so there was less of the appeal of seeing how famous structures appeared to people at the time they were built which was one of the best things about the Rome tome.
There was still a fair amount of interesting information though, particularly in terms of explaining the intellectual inheritance from the time, I was surprised how many words and phrases we use now have Greek origins. It was also intriguing to see how many similarities the society had to Ancient Rome. Good quality illustrations are interspersed amongst the text. Certainly a good book overall but I would recommend that you try the Rome book first unless you are an obsessive philhellene.
There was still a fair amount of interesting information though, particularly in terms of explaining the intellectual inheritance from the time, I was surprised how many words and phrases we use now have Greek origins. It was also intriguing to see how many similarities the society had to Ancient Rome. Good quality illustrations are interspersed amongst the text. Certainly a good book overall but I would recommend that you try the Rome book first unless you are an obsessive philhellene.
November 24, 2015
If you have read little or nothing about Ancient Greece, then this could be a good place to start. It is written as a light-hearted guidebook to visiting Athens in about 431bce, and gives you a high level introduction to the city, its environs, and it's people. It covers all the basics, looking at how the Athenians live, eat, fight, marry, die and govern themselves.
For me, it was a little disappointing. It is quite short, and if you have any knowledge of the period, will probably not contain anything new. It never seems quite sure what it is trying to be; although written as a 'rough guide' copy, it doesn't quite work out that way for me. However, if you are looking for a beginners guide, it may well be a good introduction to the subject.
For me, it was a little disappointing. It is quite short, and if you have any knowledge of the period, will probably not contain anything new. It never seems quite sure what it is trying to be; although written as a 'rough guide' copy, it doesn't quite work out that way for me. However, if you are looking for a beginners guide, it may well be a good introduction to the subject.
September 4, 2015
An imaginary tour of Athens in 431 BCE, covering nearby areas (e.g. Delphi, Marathon, & Attica generally), the Piraeus (harbor); social customs; pastimes; religion; politics; then--current philosophers, historians, & playwrights; rituals; and local sights. Intended for young adults, it's written in a light, humorous fashion--A quick read. Includes lots of interesting illustrations of art and architecture.
July 31, 2015
I often wondered how it would be to live in Ancient Greece, how easy or how hard life would be. This book realised that wish and dream tot he fullest, while reading it I actually felt that I was living in Ancient Athens, walking down the streets of the city that gave birth to Democracy and admiring the pantheon of buildings, people and gods.
July 22, 2011
The idea of this book was cute, but I found it to be just OK. May be a good read if you're interested in the history of ancient Greece, but I care more about modern Greece.
August 4, 2011
The author is not expert in the Greek world and lacks of knowledge in Ancient Greek language; substantial mistakes on this field. Overall, it is amusing but it has considerable errors.
May 6, 2016
Since I probably will never realize my lifelong dream of visiting Greece, I thought I might try to do it vicariously. Alas, nothing is ever quite that simple.
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