The Classical World: An Epic History from Homer to Hadrian

By Robin Lane Fox

Book Overview

In The Classical World , eminent classicist Robin Lane Fox brilliantly chronicles this vast sweep of history from Homer to the reign of Hadrian. From the Peloponnesian War through the creation of Athenian democracy, from the turbulent empire of Alexander the Great to the creation of the Roman Empire and the emergence of Christianity, Fox serves as our witty and trenchant guide. He introduces us to extraordinary heroes and horrific villains, great thinkers and blood-thirsty tyrants. Throughout this vivid tour of two of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known, we remain in the hands of a great master.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0465024971
• ISBN13: 9780465024971
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 672 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Engaging survey of Ancient Greek and Roman history

Robin Lane Fox has written an engaging and very readable survey of Ancient Greek and Roman history. The book is well written and well organized and strikes a good balance between length and detail. While a one volume history encompassing such a large topic will inevitably skip alot of important details, I think this book is a great start for the casual reader to gain a solid historical overview before moving into more specific areas of interest.

An essential classical primer

A fascinating, entertaining and inspring journey through the Classical World. I'm already planning a trip to the Aegean and the Mediterranean, with this volume as a metaphorical "tour guide". Probably the best single volume introduction to the world of Classical Greece and Rome. Highly recommended

Sweeping history of the Classical World

Robin Lane Fox has authored a sweeping history of what he calls "The Classical World," from Homer's Greece to Hadrian's Roman Empire. While a work of such scope means that there cannot be great depth in discussing any point in that era; on the other hand, it provides a bird's eye view of issues, themes, and change over time. The author himself notes that (page xv): "It is a challenge to be asked to write a history of some none hundred years, especially when the evidence is so scattered and diverse, but it is a challenge which I have enjoyed." Some definitional issues. Lane defines "The Classical World" as (page 1) ". . .the world of the ancient Greeks and Romans, some forty lifetimes before our own but still able to challenge us by a humanity shared with ours." Fox ceases his narrative with the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Why? Lane says (page 2): ". . .'classical literature' ends in his reign. . . ." Even more important Page 2), ". . .is that Hadrian himself was the emperor with the most evident classicizing tastes." First, Fox focuses on three themes across this span of history--freedom, justice, and luxury. He believes that each of these--and the changes that occurred with time--can help explain the sweep of events. Second, he divides the time span into several eras, and treats each separately, although noting how the themes of freedom, justice, and luxury play out in each. "The Archaic Greek World" begins with Homer's Greece and concludes with the great Persian Wars. The next time period is what Fox refers to As "The Classical Greek World." This period runs from the rise of democratic Athens, the Peloponnesian War, Socrates, the rise of Philip of Macedon. The next phase is what he terms "Hellenistic Worlds," beginning with Alexander the Great's incredible success and the development of one of the world's largest empires. This frame runs until the final struggles between Carthage and Rome. Fox then moves on to a discussion of "The Roman Republic." Here, he considers the increase in luxury in Rome, the intrigues among Pompey, Julius Caesar, and Caesar's death. He follows this with a discussion "From Republic to Empire." The chapters in this segment include the rise of Octavian (to Augustus), his conflicts with Mark Antony, the Civil War against the assassins of Caesar, and so on. The last portion of the book, "An Imperial World," traces the post-Augustan period, concluding with Hadrian's rule. Under Hadrian, according to Fox (page 571): ". . .the two worlds of this book, the classical Greek and the Roman, came closely together. Hadrian's love of Greek culture is evident in his patronage, his favours for Greek cities (especially Athens) and his personal romantic life." In a history as large as this, one sacrifices depth for breadth. It is interesting to note Fox's rather dismissive treatment of Julius Caesar and Octavian/Augustus, as compared with more sympathetic treatments of each in the recent biographies by G

THE CLASSICAL WORLD is an informative and thoroughly recommended and "reader friendly" addition

THE CLASSICAL WORLD: AN EPIC HISTORY FROM HOMER TO HADRIAN comes from a classical historian specialist who traces history from Homer to the reign of Hadrian, revealing wars, peace, the rise and fall of empires, and the heros and tyrants who reigned during the times. His survey of two of these great regimes focuses well on war, women and children, and lasting effects of great civilizations. THE CLASSICAL WORLD is an informative and thoroughly recommended and "reader friendly" addition to both school and community libraries.