Translation of: Kultur, um der Freiheit willen. Includes bibliographical references (p. [291]-302) and index.
Contents:
Part I. The Question of Beginnings: A most unusual case I: the appropriation of antiquity by medieval and modern Europe; The challenge of freedom; A most unusual case II: the early conditions of the formation of medieval and early modern culture; The constitution of Europe as a continent; Greeks and Persians I: freedom and rule-- Atossa's dream; Europe and Asia in antiquity; Antiquity as European prehistory or early history -- Part II. The Rise of the World of Poleis: A post-mycenaean new beginning : origins of Greek particularity; The dawn of an era : the eighth century BC; The Greeks and the Orient; Colonization; Homer and Hesiod; Gods and priests; Crisis and consolidation: the seventh and sixth centuries BC; Polis individualism and the pan-Hellenic context: the agonistic impulse; The diversity of the poleis: Sparta and other cities; The wars; Polis structure: public sphere and institutions; Crisis: aristocratic rivalries, social conflict, tyranny; Lyric poetry, the symposium, and a reorientation towards virtue; The beginnings of political thought: the 'middling class' ; The beginnings of philosophy and science; Athens's path towards Isonomy and its rise to power; The Aegean world around 500 BC: Greeks and Persians II; Outlook -- Epilogue.
Summary:
The book takes us on a tour through the rich spectrum of Greek life and culture, from their epic and lyric poetry, political thought and philosophy, to their social life, military traditions, sport, and religious festivals, and finally to the early stages of Greek democracy. Running as a connecting thread throughout is a people's attempt to create a society based upon the concept of freedom rather than naked power.
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.