Miletos: A History

Book Description
Miletos, on the coast of Asia Minor, was one of the most important of the Greek poleis - a key economic power as wellas a centre of philosophy and learning. Yet with historical sources scarce, and the mass of archaeological work done in the past century inaccessible in English, studying the city has not always been straightforward.
Alan Greaves puts this right with a welcome survey of the origins and development of Miletos from prehistory to its medieval decline. He focuses in particular on the archaic era, when Miletos enjoyed its greatest influence and prosperity. Archaeological evidence is accessibly presented throughout, and useful case studies explore a wide range of issues including the physical environment, colonization, the economy, and the city as a centre of philosophy and learning.


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"This book traces the growth and development of Miletos, one of the largest and most influential cities of ancient Greece, through its abundant archaeological remains and scarce historical references. The relationship between the city and the land, and the role that it played as a bridge between east and west, are examined through a series of case studies." The socio-economic themes developed in the book include the search for metals, the city's extensive links throughout the Mediterranean, its population and the foundation of a series of colonies across the Black Sea. Miletos' chief cult centre, the oracle of Apollo at Didyma, and its relationship to the city are examined in detail and the role that Miletos played as a centre for philosophy and learning is briefly explored. Its early Minoan and Mycenaean origins are also investigated.


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