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The Mycenaeans (Peoples of the Ancient World) Review

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(More customer reviews)Castleden has done a very good job synthesizing the archeological evidence and presenting a look at Mycenean society, the people and their interactions with their neighbors while comparing it with the traditional legends that had come from that time. The book is well written with easy to follow text and discourse, and is filled with illustrations and annotations of artifacts, maps, floorplans of extant buildings, and pen & ink representations of wall paintings and artifacts.
Since Castleden is well versed in Minoan studies he is quick to point up just how much the Myceneans had appropriated from this island culture: Their art, their dress, and eventually their trade routes and craftsmen. However, he also points up the Mycenean accomplishments as well, expanding out of the Polyponese where most other books focus, and into the northern territories dominated by Orchomenos and Thebes. He looks at their engineering feats and discusses how they might've been influenced by Hittite and Egyptian cultures as well.
These people were bureaucratic, they were not afraid to attempt to change the landscape to suit their needs, diverting rivers, and draining shallow lakes, and they were militaristic. The author addresses the various other interpretations put forth and comes forward with his own take on the material. By and large, presenting a well-reasoned and supporting argument for his interpretations. He discusses the daily life of the common people, and puts forth a hypothetical reconstruction of the trade routes of the various Mycenean cities with their overseas trading partners, and presents the various hypotheses of what happened to bring this age crashing down. The biggest issue brought forth by him is the reinterpretation of the citidels which were argued to be the Palaces of the Kings to actually be the temple centers of the kingdom, akin to the acropolis in classical athens, but temples that took a more active role in administering to the material being of the kingdoms.
All in all, I found this volume very enjoyable and informative.

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Following on from Rodney Castleden's best-selling study Minoans, this major contribution to our understanding of the crucial Mycenaean period clearly and effectively brings together research and knowledge we have accumulated since the discovery of the remains of the civilization of Mycenae in the 1870s.In lively prose, informed by the latest research and using afull bibliography and over 100 illustrations, this vivid study delivers the fundamentals of theMycenaean civilization including its culture, hierarchy, economy and religion. Castleden introduces controversial views of the Mycenaean palaces as temples, and studies their impressive sea empire and their crucial interaction with the outside Bronze Age world before discussing the causes of the end of their civilization. Providing clear, easy information and understanding, this is a perfect starting point for the study of the Greek Bronze Age.

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Bronze Age War Chariots (New Vanguard) Review

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(More customer reviews)Author Nic Fields has covered the subject reasonably well and provides comfortable reading. There is discussion of the domestication and breed development of the horse, speeds of yoked horses, as well as the composite bow. The author has provided a good bibliography.
Brian Delf's plates are good, but not exceptional. The poses are well chosen and the proportions are excellent (compared to McBride's sometimes stocky figures.) However, the colors are not as lifelike as McBride's work and consequently the plates are not as crisp. Plates include Sumerian battlewagons, Egyptian chariots, Hittite chariots, and both box and rail types of Mycenaean chariots. The discussion of the progression of Mycenaean and Hittite chariots definitely adds value to this inexpensive work.
As with most Osprey works there are a few things that might have been covered more fully. One thing that could have been added is some sort of depiction of Mitanni or Canaanite chariotry of the period. Mitanni was the initial master of Bronze Age two-wheel chariotry and training.
While I recommend this book to those interested specifically in Bronze Age chariots, I should also note that much of the same information is available in several other Osprey works, though not all in the same place or to the same depth. For example, "The Mycenaeans" covers their chariotry well; while "New Kingdom Egypt" discusses Egyptian, Hittite, and Mitannian chariotry, and "Ancient Armies of the Middle East" has Egyptian chariots and Sumerian battlewagons. I guess the main complaint about the work is that I've read too many studies of the battle of Quadesh already, so I was hoping for even broader coverage of chariots in this.

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Chariots, the first mobile fighting vehicle, seem to have originated in Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC. The highly mobile two-wheeled war chariot, carrying a driver and an archer armed with a short composite bow, revolutionized military tactics after 1700 BC. This expensive weapon spread throughout the Middle East and is thought to have reached Egypt with the conquering Hyksos. It spread into Asia Minor, Greece, and was known in Northern Europe by 1500 BC. This book covers the evolution of the war chariot throughout the Bronze Age, detailing its design, development and combat history - in particular its fundamental involvement at the battle of Qadesh.

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Haunted Spaces, Sacred Places: A Field Guide to Stone Circles, Crop Circles, Ancient Tombs, and Supernatural Landscapes Review

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(More customer reviews)There are metaphysical sites around the globe that are felt to be extraordinary because they seem to attract or manifest paranormal phenomena. In "Haunted Spaces, Sacred Places: A Field Guide To Stone Circles, Crop Circles, Ancient Tombs, And Supernatural Landscapes", qualified archaeologist and researcher Brian Haughton has compiled histories of thirty-two sites that are especially noted for mystery and legend. These sites range from tombs of the Etruscans; the temples of Angkor Wat; and Stonehenge; to Germany's Aachen Cathedral; Native American sties in Colorado's San Luis Valley; and the Ohio Serpent Mound. Also featured are the subjects of such phenomena as UFO sightings, 'spooklights', ghost encounters, and other unexplained experiences associated with ancient sacred places. Enhanced with more than 25 photographs and illustrations, "Haunted Spaces, Sacred Places" is a fascinating and informative read which is especially recommended for personal, academic, and community library Metaphysical Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

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Haunted Spaces, Sacred Places is a fascinating and thoroughly researched exploration of the archaeology, legends, and modern mysteries of 32 ancient places throughout the world--from the mysterious megaliths of Britain and Ireland, the haunted tombs of the Etruscans, and the Pagan origins of Germany's Aachen Cathedral to the ancient Native American city of Cahokia, the enigmatic Cambodian Temple of Angkor Wat, and the sacred Aboriginal rock formation of Uluru.Why are strange phenomena so often connected with these ancient sites? Are certain sacred places somehow able to generate or attract paranormal phenomena? Or can such events be explained in terms of modern myth and contemporary folklore? What can the legends and folklore of ancient places throughout the world reveal to us about the beliefs and ideas of our ancient ancestors? These are just some of the questions answered in Brian Haughton's enthralling new book.In Haunted Spaces, Sacred Places you will discover:*The relationship between ancient Native American sites and unexplained phenomena in Colorado's San Luis Valley.*The truth behind the legends of the mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in China, home of the Terracotta Warriors.*The legendary history of ancient sites such as Stonehenge, Chartres Cathedral, Delphi, Cuzco, and the Ohio Serpent Mound.*The prevalence of modern encounters with ghosts, UFOs, spooklights, Bigfoot, and phantom dogs at ancient sacred places.With more than 25 photographs and illustrations, this is the ideal reference work for those interested in the connections between ancient places, folklore, and unexplained phenomena.

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The Derveni Krater: Masterpiece of Classical Greek Metalwork (Ancient Art and Architecture in Context) Review

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(More customer reviews)Here is the much-needed scholarly volume on a surviving ancient Greek art treasure - the Derveni Krater - an object studied in every credible collegiate and university course on Greek art. This lavish tome is written by Barr-Sharrar, who has already comprehensively studied the Derveni Krater in the peer-reviewed literature, now accessible to all readers. Rare as it is to find one authoritative volume on a single piece of ancient Greek art, it is even more unusual to find so much useful analysis and detail devoted to a special kind of bronze vessel and the full spectrum of Dionysian themes in art. With applicable references from bronzes to sculpture, vase painting and other ancient media, Barr-Sharrar's exquisite book combines the observant eye of the artist with the penetrating mind of the sleuth in examining and contextualizing precursors and the array of corresponding types. Careful in her reconstruction of iconography and provenance as well as her hypotheses of function and meaning for the singular Derveni Krater, Barr-Sharrar has produced a gem for students of Greek art, myth, religion and ancient technology. This book is a great resource for art historians and archaeologists from an author and publisher with the highest critical standards.

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Herodotus and the Road to History Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a brief, engaging and heavily illustrated biography of the world's first historian. Herodotus lived in the Greek city of Halicarnassus in the Persian empire during the 5th century BC. His situation and personality put him in an ideal place to tell the fascinating stories of the Persian Wars and to travel extensively and collect stories during his travels.
This book is unique in that it shares the basic history of his own life, told in first person narrative. It gives a glimpse into the world he lived in as well as touching upon major events and characters that he wrote about.
It's the perfect companion to a children's edition of the stories of Herodotus. Our family read it after finishing *Stories from Herodotus* by Glanville Downey (which is sadly out of print, but may be available used or from your local library), which made it even more relevant and interesting (lots of "aha" moments!).
The story is suitable for independent reading ages 10 and up, or for a read aloud to younger children. It only took us about an hour to read it out loud and everyone enjoyed it!

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Best-selling author Jeanne Bendick takes us for another informative and amusing journey into places and events of long ago. Herodotus and the Road to History, written in the first person, details the investigative journeys of Herodotus a contemporary of the Old Testament prophet Malachi as he takes ship from Greece and voyages to the limits of his own ancient world. His persistence, amidst disbelief and ridicule, in the self-appointed task of recording his discoveries as histories (the Greek word meaning inquiry ), means that today we can still follow his expeditions into the wonder and mystery of Syria, Persia, Egypt and the barbaric north. Jeanne Bendick's lucid text, humorous illustrations and helpful maps entertain and instruct as they open the way for readers young and old to once again join Herodotus . . . on the road to history..

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Hidden History Review

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(More customer reviews)I was impressed at the intelligent approach of this author's writing. The areas covered are very diverse, fact-based, fascinating accounts of mysterious places, curious and unexplainable artifacts and other strange and unusual historical events and people across the world. There is no question that this author put considerable time and research into each topic covered. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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Hidden History fills the gap between archaeology and alternative history, using the latest available data and a common-sense, open-minded approach. With more than 50 photographs and illustrations, this is the ideal reference work for those readers interested in the archaeology of these great conundrums.

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Egypt, Greece, and Rome: Civilizations of the Ancient Mediterranean Review

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(More customer reviews)Over the last few years I have gotten interested in the sources of the ideas of our current world. For instance, when reading about Jefferson, Adams and people that founded the US I find they are fluent in Latin and Greek and read the classics extensively.
I have read the Histories, the Pelloponesian Wars, much of Plutarch and survey books I could find and though I found the stories interesting I have been groping for some context. I felt like one of the blind men and the elephant, only apprehending the little piece I was in contact with and not having any idea what a whole elephant is like.
I came across this book by looking through ...(this very place) and it looked like it would give me an overall structure. The book succeeded beyond my expectations. Starting with Egypt and ending with the Byzantine Empire it covers the myriad civilizations around the Mediterranean during that period. It puts Solon and Dracon into their context. It explains how the Etruscians related to the Greek civilization, and then to Roman. It discusses the Phoenecians, the Latins, the Gauls, the Celts and all the various people that interacted with the Romans as their empire expanded and then the Germans, Huns and other that became important as their empire declined.
Much of what we know about the ancient world is relatively new because excavations are ongoing and techniques are improving. Besides that our thinking aout the ancient world is evolving as well. This book trys to understand the period it covers not just from the point of view of the wealthy, literate folks that wrote the classics, but from the point of view of craftsmen, farmers and slaves as well.
This is definately the book I had been looking for to get me started learning about the influence the past has had on the present. I may not know yet what the elephant of ancient history smells like because I have not been that close, but I have a pretty good idea what it looks like thanks to this book.

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Circumference: Eratosthenes and the Ancient Quest to Measure the Globe Review

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(More customer reviews)Despite its title and subtitle, there is much more in this book than a description of Eratosthenes's attempt to measure the earth's circumference. Roughly the first half of the book contains information on the ancient world as it existed at about the time that Eratosthenes lived. Topics discussed include: the origin and evolution of the city of Alexandria, the people who lived and worked there, the Museum and Library, other landmarks, the politics, the local kings, the thinkers of the period, etc. In the second half of the book, more technical details are presented on Eratosthenes' measurement of the earth's circumference, e.g., his methods, his results as given in the ancient unit "stade", detective work in converting the stade into modern miles, etc. Also discussed are attempts, over the centuries since Eratosthenes's time, to explore and map the globe and even circumnavigate it. The writing style is scholarly, often witty and generally quite engaging - the second half, in my opinion, is particularly gripping.
Unfortunately, there is an error on page 140, near the bottom. Here it is stated that "... the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere is the day when the earth's axis is perpendicular to the plane of its solar orbit". This is incorrect; the earth's axis is never perpendicular to the plane of its solar orbit (the ecliptic); it is currently at about 23.5 degrees off from being perpendicular to the ecliptic and this angle varies somewhat (oscillates) over long periods of time. The first day of spring (vernal equinox), is the day when solar rays hit the earth's surface perpendicular at the equator at local noon, i.e., the sun is directly overhead, as correctly stated in the sentence following the above quote. Simply eliminating the sentence that includes the above quote would easily fix the problem.
Aside from this minor point, this is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone; however, based on its scholarly bent and its subject matter, it will likely be most relished by the more serious ancient history/science buffs.

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The Ancient Greeks For Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)I wanted to see which book would be a better introduction to Ancient Greece: The Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece by Drs. Eric & Susan Nelson or The Ancient Greeks for Dummies by Stephen Batchelor. I highly recommend not buying this Dummies book and instead go with the The Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece and he is why. First, Stephen Batchelor uses the culture of ancient Athens as a representation of all of ancient Greek city states. This is like saying that the culture of the state of Alabama represents all of the United States! I think New York & California might object to being lumped into the same cultural heritage as Alabama! Well so would Spartans, Thebans, Cretes, Arcadians, and Macedonians. In The Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece each of these unique Greek cultures are differentiated and explained which does not occur in this book. Also, The Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece spends a whole chapter on the Greek Hellenistic kingdoms which lasted for about 200 years after Alexander the Great's death, a topic hardly touched on by Stephen Batchelor. So I strongly recommend not purchasing this book and instead buying The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece.

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The civilisation of the Ancient Greeks has been immensely influential on the language, politics, educational systems, philosophy, science and arts of Western culture. As well as instigating itself as the birthplace of the Olympics, Ancient Greece is famous for its literature, philosophy, mythology and the beautiful architecture- to which thousands of tourists flock every year.
This entertaining guide introduces readers to the amazing world of the Ancient Greeks. It offers a complete rundown of Greek history alongside fascinating insights into daily life in Ancient Greece and a captivating overview of Greek mythology. Readers will discover how this ancient culture came to be the cornerstone of Western civilisation and the enormous influence it has had on our language, politics, education, philosophy, science, arts and sport.
The history of Ancient Greece remains a wide topic of interest, particularly renowned for its influential and diverse culture
This basic guide will allow greater access to this vibrant area of study, and provide a distinct and light-hearted approach to this vast area history
Covers dozens of topics, including; the early civilisations, war & fighting, home & family, day-to-day life and much, much more!

About the author
Steve Batchelor is a lecturer in Classics at Richmond College and has been teaching ancient history for 10 years. He has written reviews for various publications, including History Today, and he has also been involved in running guided historical tours of Greece.

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Egyptian Romany: The Essence of Hispania Review

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(More customer reviews)Egyptian Romany is the eleventh book in a line of non-fiction works by author, Moustafa Gadalla, a torch bearer illuminating the threadbare excuses and suppositions of centuries of Western academic posturing (as means of job protection) upon Egypt and its ‘imagined' (more Western job protection) history. Perhaps that is a little misleading, as Moustafa Gadalla's work is not theory debunking, rather it is by his process of revealing to the world the tenets of ancient and modern Egyptian life the outdated academic battleships who should never have been trawling in these waters to begin with are sunk. If you are at all familiar with the author's work, Egyptian Romany will not disappoint and if all you care about is understanding how interpolated Spain, with preference to the Iberian coast, was and still is with ancient Egypt you may be stunned with the stark, yet undisguised, realisations and common-sense findings within.
Among the repertoire of the author's multilingual published works, Egyptian Romany shares a certain relationship to the earlier work, Exiled Egyptians, in that it is a tracing of lineage and interrelationships along the tides of millennia. Unlike, said previous work, Egyptian Romany explores the special relationship between the two lands, one that is prevalent in modern society in Spain to this very day.
It is the ‘silent majority', known perhaps most commonly as Gitanos/Gypsies/Romany who by their very nature of non-violence toward northern colonists were pushed out of their country into nomadic-seeming existence that the book begins, delving immediately into etymological fact before breaking down the stages of conquest over the land and people. The union of Egypt and early Iberia is explored with the Virgin Mary/Isis, which remains indelibly powerful today; this link is revealed clearly woven back to its intrinsic roots in Egypt with story and symbology. Spiritual kinship is not the premise of Egyptian Romany, however, as it is one that has strong trade ties that Egypt was dependent on from the Iberia, given silver was one of the metals more plentiful outside of the limited eastern Mediterranean stores. Moustafa relates metallurgical methods and historical accounts delving trade routes and methods of oceanic transport, in particular, in rich detail. Beyond these geo-cultural foundations the author investigates the collapse of the peaceful relationship between the countries by the aggressive invasions by Roman, Moorish, and other forces who would come to occupy and laud their selves over the indigenous peoples; in detail the impact on Iberia itself and the fact-less bias of such occupiers and their academic champions in their assertions of ‘renaissance' over their colonised demesne. An excellent dissertation on languages and dialects of Hispanic culture ends the book with two similarly power-packed chapters on the religious and musical traditions from Egypt with preponderance on their representation in Iberian culture.
Like previous Tehuti Research Foundation volumes, Egyptian Romany continues with similar design and layout, no-nonsense lineated illustration is coupled with small to full page geographical maps permeate chapter. Paragraphs are concise and neatly laid out, with important information easily accessed with bullet points and highlight that have the care of any manual or instructive material. This is not an academic book in the sense of vast swathes of tiny text drowning in its own paragraphs. The visual elements and typography make the book an easily digestible work for the young to the old. Extensive glossary, bibliography, and sources are provided for the reader and the index, as with other Tehuti Research Foundation volumes, is on par excellence, not some shallow and haphazard accretion.
Speculation is not the pulpit of Moustafa's work, you do not get the sense of browbeating for indigenous demands as it is by facts and historical observation gathered in such a lucid manner that makes intelligent and refreshing reading. If you at all are interested in the Egyptian themes that wend throughout Iberian history whether you know about them or not, I highly recommend this book, and if you're at all familiar with Moustafa Gadalla's work then Egyptian Romany will be another welcome addition to your library.

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