Ancient Greece: Life,Myth and Art - Softcover

The essential introduction to this powerful and captivating civilisation, examining the art and mythical creations that have long enthralled our imaginations. Ancient Greece celebrates the diverse, innovative nature of Hellenic culture - a society that inspired the ideals of democracy and the rule of law; that developed forms of art and temple architecture which remain models of perfect harmony and beauty; and whose philosophers offered insights into the human condition of such universal significance that they are still persuasive even today. Ancient Greece is a richly illustrated introduction to this fascinating civilisation and its art, ranging from magnificent buildings and sculptures of gods, goddesses and heroes, to exquisite ceramics and jewellry. The book covers themes that have long inspired the Western imagination, including: the powerful deities; the sacred rites of the Greek temple; important ideas about knowledge, logic, democracy, science and mathematics; the human ideal and the cult of the hero, embodied in mythical figures such as Herakles and the warrior Achilles