The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization

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Unrivaled in scope and scholarship, this comprehensive guide offers an indispensable look into the history of ancient Greece and Rome. The meticulously detailed entries bring to life the people, places, and events that shaped classical civilization. Readers will discover that Alexander the Great's army numbered 48,500 soldiers, the largest ever to leave Greek soil, and that the once-vibrant colors of Ionic structures in Greece included reds and blues. The Theodosian Code, a collection of Roman law from AD 438, continues to survive today. The book delves into the lives and works of influential philosophers and literary figures, including Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Sophocles, Seneca, Aeschylus, and poets like Ovid and Sappho. It also explores the integral roles of mythology and religion, covering deities from Aphrodite to Hermes, as well as funerary rites and sacrifices. With a mix of essay-length articles and concise reference entries, this thorough yet accessible volume serves as a treasury of information. Alphabetically arranged and fully cross-referenced, it features a beautiful selection of full-color plates, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the foundations of Western civilization.