Ancient History: General

Abstract

The accumulation of new evidence and new methods of research (aerial photography, underwater exploration, a more scientific approach to excavation) has rendered much of the standard works obsolete. The decipherment of Linear B, for example, has had incalculable effects on Greek history, and the traditional account of Roman origins, for different reasons, is being largely rewritten. However, the Cambridge Ancient History (now being revised) and Methuen's History of the Greek and Roman World, though imperfect, are still indispensable. In the last decade three important studies have appeared: The History of Mankind (vols 1-2), published under the auspices of UNESCO by Allen & Unwin; The World of Ancient Times, by Carl Roebuck (N.Y., Scribner, 1965); and Ancient Civilization, by Tom Jones of Minnesota (Chicago, Rand McNally, rev. edn 1964). Meanwhile, Glyn Daniel's excellent series, Ancient Peoples and Places (Thames & H.), has been augmented; its success has inspired emulation. The same publishers, for instance, are responsible for Aspects of Greek and Roman Life, edited by H. H. Scullard, while Weidenfeld & Nicolson have produced two series, the History of Civilization and Universal History, edited respectively by Sir R. Syme and by international scholars of repute; Chatto & Windus, too, have recently sponsored the series Ancient Culture and Society, a useful prolegomenon. Of the older works, George Sarton's History of Science (Oxf., 2 vols, 1953-9) is invaluable, and far more catholic than its title would imply. For those who like to consult original sources many first-class books are available (apart from the Loeb series): inter alia W. C. McDermott and W. E. Caldwell, Readings in the History of the Ancient World (N.Y., Holt, R. & W., pb 1952); E. Barker, Alexander to Constantine (Oxf., 1956); N. Lewis and M. Reinhold, Roman Civilization (2 vols; Columbia U.P., 1951-5; Harper, pb 1966).