Geographers of the Ancient Greek World: Volume 1: Selected Texts in Translation

This volume presents thirty-six important texts in ancient Greek geographical writing, with new translations, explanatory notes, and maps, making them accessible to non-specialists and demonstrating their significance in Greek literature and science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 664 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Ancient Greek geographical writing is a rich and diverse tradition, encompassing a wide range of texts dating from the Archaic to the Late Antique period. While the surviving works of renowned authors such as Strabo, Pausanias, and Ptolemy are well-known, numerous other texts remain largely unknown and untranslated into English. This volume, the result of an international team of experts' diligent efforts, seeks to rectify this situation by presenting the most significant thirty-six texts in new, accurate translations. In addition to the translations, each text is accompanied by explanatory notes and authoritative introductions, providing a fresh perspective on the individual writings and highlighting their importance in the broader context of Greek literature and science.

The book is organized into four main sections: "The Ancient World," "The Middle Ages," "The Renaissance," and "The Modern Era." Each section includes a selection of texts that reflect the geographical interests and perspectives of different periods and cultures. For example, in the "The Ancient World" section, readers will find texts by Herodotus, Xenophon, and Strabo, who provide detailed accounts of the ancient Greek world, including its cities, regions, and peoples. The "The Middle Ages" section features works by medieval scholars such as Petrarch and Marco Polo, who traveled extensively and recorded their observations of the lands they encountered. The "The Renaissance" section showcases texts by explorers such as Columbus and Vespucci, who challenged traditional geographical knowledge and helped to shape the modern understanding of the world. The "The Modern Era" section includes works by contemporary scholars and researchers who have continued to expand our knowledge of geography and its historical development.

One of the key features of this volume is the inclusion of twenty-eight newly drawn maps, images of the medieval manuscripts in which most of these works survive, and a comprehensive Introduction providing a thorough survey of the field of Greek and Roman geography. The maps are designed to complement the text and provide visual aids for understanding the geographical locations and relationships discussed in the writings. The images of the manuscripts, meanwhile, offer a glimpse into the historical context in which these texts were produced and preserved.

In conclusion, Ancient Greek geographical writing is a fascinating and complex field that has been neglected in recent years. This volume seeks to rectify this by presenting the most important texts in new, accurate translations and providing comprehensive explanatory notes and introductions. By doing so, it aims to bring these important writings to a wider audience and to place them in the mainstream of Greek literature and science. Whether you are a scholar, historian, or simply interested in exploring the world, this book is a valuable resource that will enhance your understanding of the rich and diverse tradition of ancient Greek geographical writing.

ISBN-13: 9781009194204