A Year in the Life of Ancient Greece: The Real Lives of the People Who Lived There

About the Author Dr Philip Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St John's College, Oxford, and is the author of a number of acclaimed books on the ancient world, including 24 Hours in Ancient Athens and 24 Hours in Ancient Rome, published by Michael O'Mara Books, which have been translated into fourteen languages. He currently works as a tutor for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education at the University of Cambridge, teaching a course on Ancient Rome. He lives in British Columbia, Canada. Product Description Experience a remarkable year among the real people of ancient Greece, as they prepare for the most important event in their calendar.It is 248 BC, the year of the 133rd Olympic Games. At this time the Hellenistic world is at its peak, with Greek settlements spread across the Middle East, Egypt and Spain. As ever, the world is politically troubled, with Rome locked in a war with Carthage and a major conflict brewing between Egypt and Syria. However, ordinary people are still preoccupied with the crops, household affairs - and in some cases, with winning an Olympic crown.Starting at the autumn equinox, in this imagined account of a year in the life of eight fascinating characters, Philip Matyszak reveals what life was really like at this time. Rather than focusing on the kings and generals from the histories of Thucydides and Polybius, we are invited into the homes of ordinary Greek citizens. From the diplomat who is using the Games as a cover to engage in political skulduggery to the sprinter who dreams of glory, A Year in the Life of Ancient Greece takes us through a dramatic twelve months to reveal the opportunities and the perils of everyday life during this period. Book Description A Year in the Life of Ancient Greece takes us through a remarkable year to reveal a complex and vivid cast of characters during this fascinating period of ancient history.