The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Greece

This richly illustrated, four-colour textbook introduces the art and architecture of ancient Greece with an emphasis on function and context.

Judith M. Barringer (Author)

9780521171809, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 9 February 2015

445 pages, 84 b/w illus. 400 colour illus. 9 maps 1 table
28 x 21.7 x 2.5 cm, 1.62 kg

'There is no lack of good introductions to the art and archaeology of ancient Greece, but Barringer's new book - clearly written and presented, incorporating the latest scholarship, and superbly illustrated (many images are new, unusual and uncommonly instructive in themselves) - will occupy the first rank. The narrative is made to order for undergraduate surveys, but even advanced students and scholars will benefit from the book's succinct and perceptive analyses of the themes, functions and cultural contexts of the major monuments of Greek art and architecture. It is that rare thing: a readable survey that intimates the richness, depth and complexity of its subject.' Jeffrey M. Hurwit, University of Oregon

This richly illustrated, four-colour textbook introduces the art and archaeology of ancient Greece, from the Bronze Age through to the Roman conquest. Suitable for students with no prior knowledge of ancient art, this textbook reviews the main objects and monuments of the ancient Greek world, emphasizing the context and function of these artefacts in their particular place and time. Students are led to a rich understanding of how objects were meant to be perceived, what 'messages' they transmitted and how the surrounding environment shaped their meaning. The book contains nearly five hundred illustrations (with over four hundred in colour), including specially commissioned photographs, maps, floorplans and reconstructions. Judith M. Barringer examines a variety of media, including marble and bronze sculpture, public and domestic architecture, painted vases, coins, mosaics, terracotta figurines, reliefs, jewellery and wall paintings. Numerous text boxes, chapter summaries and timelines, complemented by a detailed glossary, support student learning.

Introduction
1. The Bronze Age and early Iron Age in Greece
2. The Geometric period (c.900–700 BC) and the seventh century BC
3. The Archaic Mediterranean
4. The Classical period: the fifth century BC
5. The late Classical period and Alexander, c.400–323 BC
6. The legacy of Alexander: the Hellenistic world
7. Roman conquest and the conquest of Rome
Glossary.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Social & cultural history [HBTB], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]