Hellenistic Civilisation

**edyzmedieval** · 06-24-2006, 21:28

One of my favourite things in history, is the period called the Hellenistic Civilisation, basically the period after Alexander the Great' death.

I want you to recommend me books and websites as I wish to complete my personal studies regarding to this period of history.

Preferably, the book should be very big and very in depth. If possible, since military history is a big hobby for me, I want some recommendations(if possible) on books regarding the military of this period.

Also, I want to find out about your comments regarding this period of history, which I consider very interesting.

**Reenk Roink** · 06-24-2006, 21:55

Coincidentally enough, I love the Hellenistic age myself...

The early era of the Diadochoi is very interesting for me, and their are plenty of colorful personalities; Antigonos I, Lysimachos, and of course Pyrrhos. Then you find yourself with the three main kingdoms, and the many minor ones. The rise of Rome is also intertwined with the breakdown of the Hellenistic kingdoms. Plus, although it is thought as a period of decline, there was still rich cultural activity.

Anyway, the standard text for this time period is Alexander to Actium: The Historical Evolution of the Hellenistic Age by Peter Green. This is the standard canon, though it may be a bit difficult. It also deals heavily with philosophy, science, literature, poetry, and art, although Green has a somewhat negative attitude towards all of this in the Hellenistic period. You certainly may find yourself in disagreement with the author at times.

Still, because of its comprehensive scope on this complex period, the book is the standard. It's not a book you will read to enjoy (970 pages!), but Green has a sense of humor, though his sarcasm can get a bit caustic when he criticizes something.

Essentially, a serious student will want this book. Work down from here...

Hope this helped.

**De' Medici** · 06-25-2006, 15:02

I read a book regarding the kings of Sparta, Killings in Sparta (Omoruri in Sparta), by Kostas Assimakopoulos, about two of the most known rulers of this city, Agis IV and Kleomenes III. Since you are from Romania, I think that you will be able to fiind this book in the old book-shops if you are interested. The year of publication is 1983, at the Univers Publishing House.

**nokhor** · 06-26-2006, 00:14

"the marshals of alexander's empire" by waldemar heckel. it is basically a collection of biographies of the major generals and courtiers surrounding alexander including the diadochi.

**Marshal Murat** · 06-26-2006, 04:58

Gaaaaaaahhhhhh, that's nearly $155 at Amazon! (don't know pounds)
There are lots of Alexander books circulating after the movie flop (Irish-Greek, what the Hades?)
Personally, I like to wonder about Parmenion, if his son was more tight-lipped, and he survived India, and Alexander's death. Would he have united the Diodachi?