Ancient & Classical

From Hadrian's Wall to Sulis Minerva's spa at Bath and the public buildings and walled circuits of other towns, Britain has a wealth of Roman urban remains to examine.<BR><BR>Designed for visitors wishing to explore the archaeological landscape, this user-friendly guide sets out a plan of 20 Roman towns - explaining how visitors can find the site and what they may expect to see. Where appropriate, this book explores how the town developed from an Iron Age settlement or where it began life as a military fortress or fort. Written by an expert in the field, each chapter addresses the following:<BR><BR>- An introduction to the history of the settlement, its origins and significance.<BR>- An outline of the main ancient sites and monuments, with concise information on museums.<BR>- Accessible maps of the archaeological features of each town.<BR>- An up-to-date summary of the recent work on each Roman town, supported by further reading.<BR><BR>By following the footsteps of ancient peoples, this interactive guide offers users a fascinating picture of what can be seen at these urban centres.

An epic new history of Ancient China told through the prism of a dozen extraordinary tombs<BR><BR>The three millennia up to the establishment of the first imperial Qin dynasty in 221 BC cemented many of the distinctive elements of Chinese civilisation still in place today: an extraordinarily challenging geography and environment, formidable infrastructure, a society based on the strict hierarchy of the family, a shared written script of characters, a cuisine founded on rice and millet, a material culture of ceramics, bronze, silk and jade, and a unique concept of the universe, in which ancestors continue to exist alongside the living. Records of these early achievements, and their diverse and unexpected expressions, often lie not in written history, but in how people marked the end of their lives: their dwellings for the afterlife. Tombs, and the treasures within them, are almost the only artefacts to survive from Ancient China; their scale and sophistication rivals their equivalents in Ancient Egypt.<BR><BR>Jessica Rawson, one of the most eminent Western scholars of China, explores twelve grand tombs - each from a specific historical moment and place - showing how they reveal wider political, dynastic and cultural developments, culminating in the lavish ambition of the First Emperor's monument, guarded by his army of terracotta warriors. Beautifully illustrated and drawing on the latest archaeological discoveries, Life and Afterlife in Ancient China illuminates a constellation of beliefs about life and death very different from our own and provides a remarkable new perspective on one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

Über die Räume und Zeiten hinweg haben die Menschen sehr verschiedengestaltige Bauwerke errichtet. Diese Bauwerke sind jeweils spezifisch genug, um ganzen Kulturen ein charakteristisches Gepräge zu verleihen. Zugleich stößt man immer wieder auf verblüffende Ähnlichkeiten bei weit auseinanderliegenden Kulturen. Warum ist das so? Warum sehen die Bauwerke so aus, wie sie aussehen? Diese Arbeit versucht eine Antwort, indem sie nach dem jeweiligen Sinn der Architektur fragt. Sie erzählt die Architekturgeschichte nach und erkennt im Rückblick Stufen der Mimesis als einen möglichen Grund der Gestaltung.

An entertaining and enlightening collection of ancient Roman writings about home design and decoration<BR><BR>The idea that our homes can communicate professional as well as personal identities may seem as new as the work-from-home revolution. But it was second nature to the ancient Romans, for whom the home was in many ways the center of public and private life. Roman authors saw infinite practical and symbolic value in houses, and they have much to say about them. How to Make a Home presents some of the best Roman writings on houses—from buying and selling to designing and decorating.<BR><BR>Edited and elegantly translated by Marden Fitzpatrick Nichols, How to Make a Home gathers selections by Cicero, Vitruvius, Seneca, and others, with the original Latin or Greek on facing pages. These writings reveal the pleasures and pitfalls of the Roman practice of making one’s home a cornerstone of self-expression. While the ideal home enshrined Roman virtues and could make a career, lavish building projects could lead to financial ruin and moral condemnation. These authors memorably describe such travails as deceptive staging, decorators run amok, know-it-all owners, unsupervised contractors, and buyer’s remorse. Along the way, they also explain why simplicity is bliss, privacy is for nobodies, a neglected house is a sign of a neglected soul, and much more.<BR><BR>A unique and charming introduction to Roman domestic architecture and its cultural significance, How to Make a Home reveals that the obsession with house and home has a long and fascinating history.

Die archäologischen Untersuchungen an der Basilica Julia auf dem Forum Romanum in Rom erbrachten neue Erkenntnisse über die Bau- und Nutzungsgeschichte, die Rekonstruktion, die Funktion und die Bedeutung des monumentalen Bauwerks, die nun in den Sonderschriften 27 des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts Rom vorgelegt werden.Aus der Analyse des architektonischen Befunds ließen sich acht Bauphasen ermitteln, die einen Zeitraum von 500 v.Chr. bis in die Spätantike umspannen. Dabei lassen sich fünf Hauptphasen und drei kleinere Umbauten identifizieren. In cäsarischer Zeit errichtete man einen Neubau in Form einer dreigeschossigen Pfeilerbasilika, die im Innern über fünf Schiffe verfügte. Die Basilica Julia fungierte bis in das späte 7. Jahrhundert hinein wie die ihr gegenüberliegende Basilica Aemilia als Finanz-, Gerichts- und Versammlungsgebäude. Dank ihrer Kombination aus Nutz- und Luxusstrukturen wurden beide Basiliken zu verbindlichen Leitbildern in der römischen Welt.

Das Theater von Minturnae ist auch als Ruine ein beeindruckendes Zeugnis römischen Theaterbaus. Seine Untersuchung eröffnet grundlegend neue Einblicke in die römische Theaterarchitektur und liefert hierfür verlässliche neue Fakten - insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund, dass bisher nur wenige vergleichbare Anlagen umfassend aufgearbeitet und publiziert vorliegen.Als Ergebnis der Bauforschung präsentiert der Band Minturnae II eine vollständige Dokumentation des unter Augustus errichteten Baus. Die kritische Diskussion der Architektur und der Skulpturenausstattung führt zu einer ebenso fundierten wie originellen Rekonstruktion seiner Bühne und erschließt zudem einen weitreichenden antoninischen Umbau. Darüber hinaus erhellt die Studie Fragen zur Metrologie, zur Planung der Anlage in ihrem urbanistischen Umfeld und zu ihrer Stellung in der Geschichte des Theaterbaus. Hierbei werden überraschende Bezüge zu weiteren Theaterbauten der Region deutlich.

Unlock the secrets of pyramids and calendar systems with this groundbreaking exploration of their psychological significance and influence on human behavior and well-being. Delve into the historical context, cultural symbolism, and architectural features of pyramids, while also exploring the psychological function of calendars, cognitive processes in calendar use, and the psychophysiological effects of both pyramids and calendars. With a focus on the therapeutic applications of these ancient structures and timekeeping systems, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of their impact on our minds and lives.

For the ancient Egyptians, the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000-1700 BC) was a classical period of art, history and literature. The Twelfth Dynasty was one of the strongest ever to rule on the banks of the Nile: some of its kings were later worshipped as local gods, and were made famous by classical Greek authors. Yet Egyptologists tend not to look beyond the extraordinary royal sculpture and literary masterpieces of the time.<BR><BR> Although the picture is fragmentary, as with any archaeological record, the last two hundred years of exploration and excavation have revealed much of the splendour of the period. This book examines the evidence for the culture, history and society of both central and provincial Egypt at the time, revealing the wealth of the entire country. In this second edition, Wolfram Grajetzki incorporates recent discoveries, discussions and publications which have emerged over the intervening fifteen years, including new excavation reports for the mastabas at Lisht and excavations at Abydos. Too often overshadowed by the better-preserved architecture of other periods, Middle Kingdom Egypt emerges for the reader as a fascinating age in its own right.

¿¿¿¿ **Discover the Enigmatic World of Rapa Nui** ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ **Easter Island: Secret History of a Lost Island** ¿¿¿¿Are you ready to unlock the mysteries of one of the most intriguing places on Earth? Dive into the captivating narrative of **Easter Island**, also known as Rapa Nui, and uncover the secrets that have fascinated explorers and scholars for centuries. This groundbreaking book takes you on a journey through the island's rich history, ancient rituals, and the monumental challenges it faces today.¿ **What's Inside:**- **Ancient Origins** ¿¿¿¿: Trace the incredible voyages that brought the first settlers to Easter Island and explore how they shaped this remote land with their unique cultural practices.- **The Moai Statues** ¿¿¿¿: Delve into the artistry and symbolism behind the iconic moai statues. Discover the methods used to create and transport these colossal figures, and understand their profound role in Rapanui society.- **Colonial Encounters** ¿¿¿¿: Learn about the impact of European contact, from the introduction of diseases to the upheaval of traditional ways of life, and how these events reshaped the island's destiny.- **Cultural Resilience** ¿¿¿¿: Explore the remarkable efforts of the Rapanui people to revive their traditions and culture amidst modern challenges, including the balancing act between preserving heritage and managing tourism.- **Modern Challenges** ¿¿¿¿: Gain insight into the contemporary struggles of Easter Island, including environmental sustainability, political autonomy, and the quest for a harmonious future.**Easter Island: Secret History of a Lost Island** is more than just a book; it's an immersive experience that transports you to a land where history, culture, and mystery converge. With vivid descriptions, stunning illustrations, and in-depth research, this book offers a comprehensive look at one of the world's most enigmatic and remote locations.¿¿¿¿ **Why You'll Love This Book:**- **Intriguing Insights**: Unveil the hidden stories and lesser-known facts about Easter Island that will captivate history buffs and casual readers alike.- **Cultural Richness**: Appreciate the depth and diversity of Rapanui culture, from ancient myths to modern-day struggles.- **Thought-Provoking Analysis**: Reflect on the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, and the island's role in the global narrative.Whether you're an armchair traveler, a history enthusiast, or someone fascinated by the mysteries of the world, **Easter Island: Secret History of a Lost Island** offers a compelling and enlightening read. Don't miss your chance to explore the hidden depths of this remarkable island.¿¿¿¿ **Order your copy today and embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of Easter Island!** ¿¿¿¿¿ **Available now in bookstores and online.** ¿

The Repit temple is located at the ancient site of Athribis in the 9th Upper Egyptian Panopolite nome, to the west of modern Sohag near the village Sheik Hamed. Built by Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos (ca. 80-58 and 55-51 BCE) the temple is one of the last great monuments of the Ptolemies, and it has only recently been fully excavated and published. The temple is dedicated to the relatively little-known leonine goddess Repit along with her consort, the preeminent regional god Min-Re and their divine child Kolanthes. The temple has a unique architecture and decorative program, leaving many questions about its function and the motivations of its local designers unanswered.Margaret Swaney offers the first art historical analysis of the Ptolemaic-era Repit temple, exploring how the collective decisions of priests, scribes, sculptors, plasterers, painters, and gilders came together to craft a complex mythological reality in stone. She combines a more traditional approach to the study of Ptolemaic temple art, which aims to identify the framework of semantic linkages between symmetrically paired and neighboring scenes known as the "temple grammar" with a technical study of the temple production, considering general trends in art production and visual meaning-making as well as the specific, context-dependent meanings of individual images and scenes and their means of production within each architectural space. Swaney provides in-depth analyses of royal and divine iconography, offering scene types and compositional structures as well as the technical strategies of the artists who materialized the local theology of the Repit temple.

'The reigning Queen of Classics' Spectator<BR><BR>'Mary Beard is the best in the business' Dan Snow<BR><BR>'Excellent' Guardian<BR><BR>'Enthralling' Sunday Times<BR><BR>Britain's most famous classicist asks: what are civilisations?<BR><BR>Central to this huge question are the ways in which we have depicted the human and the divine from prehistory to the present day. And across such iconic creations as Angkor Wat, the Ravenna mosaics and China's terracotta army, one ancient representation of the human body still influences (or distorts) how people in the West see not only their own culture but that of others.<BR><BR>From idolatry to iconoclasm, Mary Beard shines her spotlight on the artists who made art, and on those who have used, viewed, or interpreted it - and asked how to look with the eye of faith.

Marcus Aquila and his patron Rutlius Scaurus are tasked with rooting out a spy ring operating in the lands into which their imperial master Severus's armies are advancing.<BR>The quest to find and subvert their foes' informers will place the two friends at great risk, with torture and death the price of any mistake. While success will put them in the front rank against battle-hardened legions, hungry for revenge, in a bloody struggle to determine the fate of Asia's loyalty.<BR>-----<BR>'This is fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both.' Conn Iggulden on Empire<BR>'A master of the genre' The Times

A RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK'An impressive amalgamation of scholarly research with popular history' The Times'An evocative account of an era of epic riches and ruthlessness' History Revealed'De la Bédoyère has not just an archaeologist's eye for accuracy but also a broadcaster's nose for a colourful story' Radio TimesFor more than two centuries Egypt was ruled by the most powerful, successful and richest dynasty of kings in its long and epic history. They included the female king Hatshepsut, the warrior kings Thutmose III and Amenhotep II, the religious radical Akhenaten and his queen Nefertiti, and most famously of all for the wealth of his tomb the short-lived boy king Tutankhamun. They presided over a system built on war, oppression and ruthlessness, pouring Egypt's wealth into grandiose monuments, temples and extravagant tombs. But the power and riches of the Pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty came at enormous cost to Egypt's enemies and most of its people. Pharaohs of the Sun is their extraordinary story, showing how the glamour and gold was tainted by selfishness, ostentation and the systematic exploitation of Egypt's people and enemies.

For more than two centuries Egypt was ruled by the most powerful, successful, and richest dynasty of kings in its long end epic history. They included the female king Hatshepsut, the warrior kings Thutmose III and Amenhotep II, the religious radical Akhenaten and his queen Nefertiti, and most famously of all for the wealth of his tomb the short-lived boy king Tutankhamun. The power and riches of the Pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty came at enormous cost to Egypt's enemies and most of its people. This was an age of ruthless absolutism, exploitation, extravagance, brutality, and oppression in a culture where not only did Egypt plunder its neighbours but Egyptian kings and their people robbed one another.<BR><BR>3,500 years ago ancient Egypt began two centuries in which it became richer and more powerful than any other nation at the time, ruled by the kings of the 18th Dynasty. They presided over a system built on war, oppression, and ruthlessness, pouring Egypt's wealth into grandiose monuments, temples, and extravagant tombs. Tutankhamun was one of the last of the line and one of the most obscure. Among his predecessors were some of the most notorious and enigmatic figures of all of Egypt's history. Pharaohs of the Sun is their story, showing how the glamour and gold was tainted by selfishness, ostentation, and the systematic exploitation of Egypt's people and enemies.

L'énigme des 'ámonuments à augesá' de l'Antiquité romaine, c'est-à-dire un groupe d'édifices de construction très soignée dont la particularité est de posséder deux files parallèles de cuves en pierre à l'intérieur d'une grande salle, résiste à l'analyse depuis plus d'un siècle. Ce livre confronte l'ensemble des hypothèses formulées avec une approche comparatiste qui réunit des spécialistes de l'Afrique du Nord et du Proche-Orient, les deux régions où ce type de construction est présent.