This book investigates the theoretical frameworks and analytical models used by historians to interpret the evidence of the ancient world. Neville Morley, a professor of classics and ancient history, examines how modern conceptual tools shape our understanding of antiquity. He argues that historical inquiry is not a neutral observation of facts but a process mediated by the specific models and theories researchers bring to their source material.

Scholars and students of history frequently cite this work as a vital resource for understanding the methodological underpinnings of classical studies. It is widely regarded as a clear and accessible introduction to the complex theoretical debates that define contemporary ancient history research.