
A major new history of Athens' remarkably long and influential life after the collapse of its empire.To many the history of post-Classical Athens is one of decline. True, Athens hardly commanded the number of allies it had when hegemon of its fifth-century Delian League or even its fourth-century Naval Confederacy, and its navy was but a shadow of its former self. But Athens recovered from its perilous position in the closing quarter of the fourth century and became once again a player in Greek affairs, even during the Roman occupation. Athenian democracy survived and evolved, even through its dealings with Hellenistic Kings, its military clashes with Macedonia, and its alliance with Rome. Famous Romans, including Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, saw Athens as much more than an isolated center for philosophy. Athens After Empire offers a new narrative history of post-Classical Athens, extending the period down to the aftermath of Hadrian's reign.
This work investigates the political, social, and cultural trajectory of Athens following the collapse of its fifth-century empire, challenging the traditional narrative of inevitable decline. Ian Worthington, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Historical Society, utilizes a synthesis of archaeological evidence, epigraphic records, and classical literary sources to reconstruct the city's resilience. He argues that Athens maintained significant relevance as a political and intellectual hub throughout the Hellenistic era and into the period of Roman hegemony.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and historians recognize this work as a significant contribution to the study of post-Classical Greece, noting its success in reframing the narrative of Athenian decline. Readers frequently highlight the clarity of the prose and the author's ability to synthesize complex historical data into a coherent chronological account.
Page Count:
424
Publication Date:
2020-11-02
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190633980
ISBN-13:
9780190633981
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