Polis: A New History of the Ancient Greek City-State
Polis: A New History of the Ancient Greek City-State by John Ma examines the Greek polis from the Early Iron Age to the end of antiquity. This substantial scholarly history considers the city-state’s political development, achievements and entanglements with empire and enslavement.
At a glance
- Traces the Greek city-state across a span of roughly a millennium, from its emergence around 650 BCE to 350 CE, according to the listing.
- Discusses civic community, autonomy and public goods alongside the exclusions, domination, empire and enslavement linked to the polis.
- Draws on historical evidence and engages with scholarly debates, including interpretations of Aristotle.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Its broad time span and geographical scope cover the development of the polis across hundreds of communities.
- The account addresses both the civic benefits associated with the city-state and the inequalities and coercion behind them.
Cons
- At 736 pages and 1.41 kg, this is a substantial book rather than a brief introduction.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Author | John Ma |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Princeton University Press |
| Publication date | 30 July 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 736 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0691155380 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0691155388 |
| Weight listed | 1.41 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.71 x 5.08 x 24.13 cm |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The listing describes the study as covering the period from the Early Iron Age to the end of antiquity, and specifies the polis's emergence around 650 BCE and endurance to 350 CE. These are different descriptions of scope, so readers seeking a precise chronological boundary should consult the book's contents.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a detailed scholarly history of the ancient Greek city-state.
- Students and enthusiasts interested in Greek political institutions, citizenship and the social consequences of civic life.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a short overview or a general history of all ancient Greek topics.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
70% 70% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
0% 0% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
11% 11%
Aggregate customer ratings are mostly in the five-star category, but a smaller share are one- or two-star, so the overall picture is favourable but not unanimous. The ratings alone do not explain the differences in experience. For readers considering this long, specialised history, they offer limited guidance about its fit for a particular level of prior knowledge or reading preference.
Frequently asked questions
What period does Polis cover?
The title frames the book from the Early Iron Age to the end of antiquity. The listing also describes the polis as emerging around 650 BCE and enduring to 350 CE, so it gives more than one way of expressing the chronology.
Is this a short introduction?
No. The listed print length is 736 pages, making it a substantial work suited to readers seeking an extended historical account.
What topics does the book address?
The description covers the development and spread of the polis, civic life and institutions, and their relationship with autonomy, social bargaining, empire and enslavement.
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