Recommend me some books on classical antiquity (Rome and Greece)

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by aneeshm
Be that as it may, could we please return to the topic of Greco-Roman antiquity?

Well, there's always http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_antiquity

[Darius871]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Recommend me some books on classical antiquity (Rome and Greece)

Originally posted by aneeshm


OK, now it's my turn to be .

Oh you mean from the country of India, I had to wiki it!

[Jon Miller]

Major Civs: (not counting Americas or Southern Africa)

Egypt
Mesopatmia
India
China
Greek (Rome is very related)

I would consider a complete study of the classic civilizations to include all 5 of those.

JM

[chequita guevara]

Greek as a Treat
Readings in Western Civilization, vol 1 (for Greece)

[Hercules]

In my view Fernand Braudel was one of the best ever European/World historians.

To my mind his 'A History of Civilizations' was a pre cursor of Civ.

Here is the Wiki reference here

[Heraclitus]

Re: Recommend me some books on classical antiquity (Rome and Greece)

Originally posted by aneeshm
Since reading Nietzsche, I've become more interested in the classical world.

I'm already reading the only two classical epics which are still a part of a modern culture (the Ramayana and the Mahabharat), and I know much more than the layman (and much less than the specialist) about the shape of the history of my own civilisation and its nature in classical times.

However, I know very little about the two other important classical civilisations which I consider equal to my own in worth - Greece and Rome. All that I have read them inspires my curiosity. However, what I know of them I consider pathetically inadequate given how much interest I have.

So I'm asking for some book recommendations which will give me an idea of the classical Grecian and Roman civilisations. How they worked, what they thought, what beliefs informed their worldview, and so on. I'm looking for a book which will allow me to see the world through their eyes.

Note that till now I've never really read anything formally on this subject, so I'm a newbie.

Our turn to dispel criticism by pointing out that you don't understand the origins of Western Civilization!


BTW Seriously. I would recommend that you read up on literature made in the time period. I know some might argue history books are better but I disagree.

Read stuff made by these guys:

Homer
Solon
Socrates
Epicurus
Heraclitus
Plato
Demosthenes
Aristotle
Cicero
Seneca the Younger
Julius Caesar
Marcus Aurelius

And a few dozen more guys

Also reading the Aeneid may do some good.

Have fun delving into the glorious history of Rome and Greece.

[Naked Gents Rut]

Homer
Solon
Socrates
Epicurus
Heraclitus
Plato
Demosthenes
Aristotle
Cicero
Seneca the Younger
Julius Caesar
Marcus Aurelius

No Herodotus or Thucydides?

[ramseya]

I haven't read it but I think "Egypt, Greece, and Rome: Civilizations of the Eastern Mediterranean" by Charles Freeman would provide a good overview of classical antiquity (plus ancient Egypt as a bonus). It has gotten very good reviews on Amazon.com and seems to be good for someone who is starting out learning about the civilizations.

another book which I haven't read but seems great for a beginner, especially if you're into the social side, as opposed to the generals, wars, and caesars of the historical narratives, would be "As the Romans Did: A Sourcebook in Roman Social History" by Jo-Ann Shelton.

Good luck finding these books in India though.

[Hercules]

Ok thanks for those references also.

[Nostromo]

I agree with Heraclitus, Socrates wrote amazing books! But I hear they're quite hard to find... I never read one myself.

[Naked Gents Rut]

Actually, if I remember correctly, Socrates didn't write any books. What we know of him comes mainly from his students Plato and Xenophon and from Plato's student Aristotle.

[Elok]

Originally posted by Naked Gents Rut
Actually, if I remember correctly, Socrates didn't write any books. What we know of him comes mainly from his students Plato and Xenophon and from Plato's student Aristotle.

Thanks, you just killed the joke, you bastard. What did that joke ever do to you?

[monolith94]

Apuleius – The Golden Ass

also, be aware of the fact that The Illiad is much better than The Odyssey.

I also liked the non-fiction book "The Hellenistic Age" by Peter Green.

[Heraclitus]

Originally posted by Naked Gents Rut


No Herodotus or Thucydides?

It was very late...


BTW Are you from mainland China? We don't see many Chinese posters here, there was a joke that the PRC blocks apolyton.

[Heraclitus]

Originally posted by Nostromo
I agree with Heraclitus, Socrates wrote amazing books! But I hear they're quite hard to find... I never read one myself.

Oh, come on you know what I mean....


Especially since its unclear what if Plato made everything up or if he used a few actual teachings of Socrates.