Greek History 500-400 BC

**Pindar** · 11-02-2006, 19:20

Originally Posted by Crazed Rabbit

Hey guys.

I'm looking for some information on Greek history from 500 to 400 BC, on several topics. One is society -women, slaves, farmers, and the middle class.

Also, on the wars fought during this period- the Persian wars and Peloponnesian, and on Athenian leaders during the time, specifically Pericles.

Thanks for any help!

CR

Werner Jaeger's classic three volume work: Paideia is a good resource for the various questions you have.

Classicist Peter Green's The Greco-Persian Wars is a good single volume account of the conflict(s).

Classicist Victor David Hanson's A War like no Other is a good account of the Peloponesian War.

**Duncan_Hardy** · 11-02-2006, 21:55

If you want a gripping narrative history of the Greco-Persian wars that isn't too taxing, I highly recommend Persian Fire by Tom Holland ([c]2006 Abacus).

**Stig** · 11-02-2006, 22:06

If you want anything on Architecture or Art read The Archaeology of Greece by Biers

**KrooK** · 11-02-2006, 23:55

Read Tukidydes and his Peloponesian War
It's probably best historical book ever :)

**Geoffrey S** · 11-03-2006, 08:51

Originally Posted by Duncan_Hardy

If you want a gripping narrative history of the Greco-Persian wars that isn't too taxing, I highly recommend Persian Fire by Tom Holland ([c]2006 Abacus).

I strongly disagree. I suppose 'isn't too taxing' says it all, it's very light reading with too much conjecture, poor writing and nothing new to say.

Like KrooK I must recommend Thucydides in addition to what Pindar recommended. It's an astonishingly clear piece of writing and even now is enlightening about the politics of the Peloponnesian war, especially in conjunction with a more recent analysis.

**Pindar** · 11-03-2006, 18:04

Originally Posted by Geoffrey S

I strongly disagree. I suppose 'isn't too taxing' says it all, it's very light reading with too much conjecture, poor writing and nothing new to say.

Like KrooK I must recommend Thucydides in addition to what Pindar recommended. It's an astonishingly clear piece of writing and even now is enlightening about the politics of the Peloponnesian war, especially in conjunction with a more recent analysis.

I agree, both in regard to the comments on Holland above and Thucydides. I took Thucydides as a given. I think is one of the better versions available: The Landmark Thucydides: a Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War

**Kralizec** · 11-03-2006, 19:57

What would you say of Donald Kagan, Pindar?

**Pindar** · 11-03-2006, 21:32

Originally Posted by Kralizec

What would you say of Donald Kagan, Pindar?

Kagan is considered a bigwig on the Peloponnesian War. His four volume work is considered a standard in the English Scholarly Tradition on the subject.

**Patriarch of Constantinople** · 11-04-2006, 06:04

If you need any info on the Peloponessian War, read History of the Peloponessian War its the best source of information on the war.

**Duncan_Hardy** · 11-03-2006, 20:51

Originally Posted by Geoffrey S

I strongly disagree. I suppose 'isn't too taxing' says it all, it's very light reading with too much conjecture, poor writing and nothing new to say.

Like KrooK I must recommend Thucydides in addition to what Pindar recommended. It's an astonishingly clear piece of writing and even now is enlightening about the politics of the Peloponnesian war, especially in conjunction with a more recent analysis.

I think you're being unduly harsh on Holland. Sure, he's writes "demagogue-esque" history, writing history like a detective story and appealing to a broad audience (since audience = cash); however, not only is his work entertaining but, if you disregard the hyperbolic conjecture (which isn't hard to spot), you can get a solid basic overview of the period.