This is a unique and comprehensive introduction to the ancient Mediterranean and its three major civilizations, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It reveals a fascinating picture of the deep links between the cultures across the Mediterranean and explores the ways in which these civilizations continueto be influential to this day. Beginning with the emergence of the earliest Egyptian civilization around 3500 BC, Charles Freeman follows the history of the Mediterranean over a span of four millennia to AD 600, beyond the fall of the Roman empire in the west to the emergence of the Byzantine empire in the east. In addition tothe three great civilizations, the peoples of the Ancient Near East and other lesser-known cultures such as the Etruscans, Celts, Persians, and Phoenicians are explored. The author examines the art, architecture, philosophy, literature, and religious practices of each culture, set against itssocial, political, and economic background. Ample space is also given to key individuals, from Homer to Horace, the Pharaoh Akhenaten to the emperor Augustus, Alexander the Great to Julius Caesar, Jesus to Justinian, and Aristotle to Augustine. Charles Freeman has been advised by eight leading authorities to ensure a text that is authoritative and reflects the most up-to-date scholarship. Readable, stimulating, and generously illustrated, Egypt, Greece, and Rome is a superb introduction for anyone seeking a better understanding of thecivilizations of the ancient Mediterranean and their legacy to Western society. Academic advisers... John Ray (Selwyn College, Cambridge) Amelie Kuhrt (University College London) Oswyn Murray (Balliol College, Oxford) Nigel Spivey (Emmanuel College, Cambridge) John Rich (University of Nottingham) John Drinkwater (University of Nottingham) Averil Cameron (Keble College, Oxford) Ruth Whitehouse (University College London)