Knossos, Mycenae, Troy: The Enchanting Bronze Age and its Tumultuous Climax

This book explores the rise and decline of the first Mediterranean civilizations, including the Minoan, Cycladic, Mycenaean, and Trojan, using written sources and archaeological evidence. It emphasizes the importance of commerce and the use of the historical present to represent events and construct the text, providing a fascinating picture of the cultures that laid the foundations of Western civilization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Oxbow Books

This captivating book delves into the fascinating rise and intricate interplay of the first Mediterranean civilizations, including the Minoan, Cycladic, Mycenaean, and Trojan cultures. It explores the intricate tapestry of factors that contributed to their decline, encompassing a blend of natural and human-driven causes. The Mediterranean Dimension of the Bronze Age emerges as a vibrant garden, teeming with legends and distinguishing between myth and history with clarity. Through meticulous research using written sources and archaeological evidence, the book charts the fortunes and crises of these civilizations, as well as the wars and natural disasters that ultimately led to their downfall.

Chapters delve into various aspects of these societies, including political geography, military and economic development, religion, monumental architecture, and the rise and fall of palatial dynasties and centralized governments. The book emphasizes the significance of commerce in shaping social life and material culture. A distinctive feature of these civilizations is the use of the "historical present" to represent events and construct the text, immersing the reader in the narrated events and facilitating a deeper understanding.

The result is a captivating portrayal of the cultures that laid the foundations of Western civilization, offering a rich and detailed account of their achievements, struggles, and enduring legacy. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of ancient history.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 170 x 241 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789259476