A fascinating guide to Ancient Greek civilisation from the Minoans to Alexander's empire. Includes information on the key figures, battles and geography of the Ancient Greek empire, as well gods and goddesses, the Olympic games and the day-to-day life of its citizens. Features stunning photographs and illustrations, a comprehensive factfinder section with a time chart, who's who and glossary, making it perfect for reference use. Internet links to websites with virtual tours, reconstructions and more information. Chapters in this book include:- How we know about the Greeks- Map of Ancient GreeceEarly Greece- The first Greeks- The Minoans- Minoan palaces- Minoan religion- Explosions and Invasions- The Mycenaeans- Mycenaean royal tombs- Warriors and traders- Troy and the Trojan War- Things fall apart- The Dark AgesArchaic Greece- The Archaic Period- Greek City-states- Sparta - a warrior state- Greek armies- Hoplites- Greek warships- The Persian Wars- The decline of Persia- The birth of literacyClassical Greece- The gold age of Athens- The Acropolis- The first democratic states- Life in Sparta- The Peloponnesian Wars- The end of an eraEveryday Life- Growing up- Women and the home- Greek Houses- Clothes and fashion- Farming and food- The marketplace- Architecture- Building- Sculpture- Pottery- Metalwork- Travel by land and sea- Feasting and fun- Plays and players- The Games- Religion and mythology- Temples and worship- Talking to the gods- Death and the Underworld- Funerals and burialsMacedonia and the Hellenistic World- The rise of Macedonia- Alexander the Great- The Hellenistic World- Alexandria- Inquiring minds- The Roman conquestFactfinder- Gods and goddesses- Greek myths- Greek philosophy- Greek lays- Battles and battle formations- Who's who- Time chart