Complete Idiot's Guide To Ancient Greece

Take a modern look at an ancient time. You're no idiot, of course. You probably studied the Greek gods in school-maybe you've even run a marathon of one kind or another. But there's more to Greek culture than the trials of Hercules and competitive sporting events, as evidenced by the scientific, artistic, and political influences that can be found throughout the world today. The Complete Idiot's GuideR to Ancient Greece takes you on a journey through the timeline of one of the most significant societies in human history. In it, you learn about: * The Minoans and Mycenaeans-the two Bronze Age cultures that inspired Greek development. * The reign of Philip II of Macedon-and how his son, Alexander the Great, surpassed his achievements. * The distinctive characteristics of the city-states of Athens and Sparta-and the thirty-year conflict between them known as the Peloponnesian War. * How Greek mythology and religion shaped literature and philosophy. Immerse yourself in the classics. * Examine the works of Hippocrates, Aristotle, Socrates, and other ancient thinkers. * Hurdle yourself into the origins of the Olympics. * Discover how Athenian democracy and some of humanity's greatest artistic achievements occurred during the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars. * Understand the tactics and strategies that led to Sparta's victory over Athens. * Uncover the mystery behind the end of the Mycenaean civilization. * Visit Mount Olympus and meet Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Poseidon, and the entire pantheon of Greek gods.Nelson, Eric D. is the author of 'Complete Idiot's Guide To Ancient Greece', published 2005 under ISBN 9781592572731 and ISBN 1592572731.