The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 02: (from the Rise of Greece to the Christian Era)
The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 02: (from the Rise of Greece to the Christian Era)
A panoramic journey through the making of Western civilization, this volume gathers the finest historical minds of the early 20th century to trace the arc from Athens to Rome. Here the Persian Wars crackle with urgency, democracy stumbles into being under Pericles, and Alexander's conquests reshape the ancient world in a blur of campaigns. The narrative then turns to Rome's grinding struggle against Carthage, where Hannibal's elephants thunder across the Alps and the Republic transforms into an empire. These are not dry recitations of dates and battles but living interpretations by writers who understood history as drama, as the endless clash of cultures and ambitions that carved the civilization we inherit. For readers weary of textbook summaries, this volume offers something rarer: history as the great historians once wrote it.
About The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 02: (from the Rise of Greece to the Christian Era)
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- The creation and corruption of the ten-man commission that governed Rome and created the Twelve Tables of law. The tyranny of the second decemvirate led to the legends of Siccius Dentatus and Virginia, ultimately resulting in their overthrow.
- 2
- The rise and achievements of Pericles during Athens' Golden Age, including the building of the Parthenon and the development of Athenian democracy. His leadership during the early Peloponnesian War and eventual death from plague.
- 3
- The devastating plague that struck Athens during the Peloponnesian War, killing a third of the population including Pericles. The disease's symptoms, social breakdown, and impact on Athenian morale and military capability.
Key Themes
- Democracy vs. Tyranny
- The tension between democratic ideals and autocratic rule appears throughout, from Athenian democracy under Pericles to the fall of the Roman Republic and rise of empire.
- East vs. West
- The fundamental clash between Eastern despotism and Western freedom, exemplified by Alexander's conquest of Persia and Rome's struggles against oriental powers.
- The Price of Empire
- Great powers inevitably face corruption and decline as they expand, shown in Athens' transformation from defender to oppressor and Rome's internal strife.
Characters
- Pericles(major)
- Athenian statesman and general who led Athens during its Golden Age. Known for his oratory, building projects including the Parthenon, and democratic reforms.
- Alexander the Great(protagonist)
- Macedonian king and military genius who conquered the Persian Empire and much of the known world. Student of Aristotle, known for his tactical brilliance and personal courage.
- Socrates(protagonist)
- Athenian philosopher known for his method of questioning and moral teachings. Condemned to death by drinking hemlock for allegedly corrupting youth and impiety.
- Xenophon(major)
- Greek historian, soldier, and student of Socrates who led the famous retreat of the Ten Thousand Greeks from Persia. Author of the Anabasis.
- Julius Caesar(major)
- Roman general and statesman who conquered Gaul and crossed the Rubicon. Eventually became dictator before his assassination.
- Darius III(major)
- Last king of the Persian Empire who fought against Alexander the Great. Defeated at Issus and Arbela, eventually murdered by his own satraps.
