Includes bibliographical references (pages 261-264) and index.
Contents:
The temple guard remembers -- The slaves get playful -- The doctor treats Arrephoros -- The commodore sets out -- The slave miner starts work -- The vase painter begins a project -- The sorceress casts a spell -- The wrestling instructor prepares a class -- The fish-seller sets her stall -- The visitor saves a life -- The housewife meets her lover -- The cavalryman reviews his troop -- The councillor takes his lunch break -- The slave woman is worried -- The runner sets out for Sparta -- The hoplite becomes indignant -- The sea captain makes harbour -- The city planner is cross-examined -- The Hetaira prepares -- The fig-smuggler arranges a shipment -- The Spartan spy finds the mother lode -- The wedding guest evicts a troublemaker -- The bride travels to her new home -- The sword-dancer grows amorous.
Summary:
It is 416 BC, and Athens is at the peak of its power. Its political and military might are feared throughout the ancient world while it pushes the boundaries of social, literary, and philosophical experimentation. The city-state also boasts a greater concentration of geniuses per capita than any other time in human history. Yet even geniuses go to the bathroom, argue with their spouse, and enjoy a drink with friends. During the course of an average day we meet 24 typical Athenians -- from the slave girl to the politician, the fish-seller to the vase painter, the cavalryman to the doctor -- and find out what the real Athens was like by spending an hour with each. We also get to spy on the daily doings of such notable Athenians as Socrates, Plato, Hippocrates, Thucydides, and Sophocles through he eyes of regular people. What can the lives of these people tell us about Athens itself? Discover the secrets of the Greek symposium, the mysteries of the acolytes of Athena, how to curse a rival, and the intrigues between Athens and its foes as the city hovers on the brink of the fateful war that will destroy its golden age.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.