Athena was among the most widely worshipped of the ancient Greek deities. Chiefly associated with Athens, she was also venerated throughout the cities and regions of the Greek world where her main role was the guardian of the polis, the principal organisation unit of Greek life. She plays a part in many of the most important myths, including the story of the Olympian succession and the Trojan War. Her role as the patron of heroes, including Herakles, Perseus and Bellerophon, makes her central to numerous hero myths. With her distinctive appearance – armed yet wearing a dress – she remains one of the most intriguing of the gods, who, while the epitome of the strong woman, was the patron of male institutions and friend to patriarchy.

More than 2,500 years ago, the people of ancient Greece created one of the most advanced and influential civilizations of the world. Greek civilization reached a peak between 500 and 336 b.c.e, a period called the Classical Age. The Greeks invented science, philosophy, theater, and politics, and also introduced the alphabet to Europe. Greek stories are still told today, and their plays performed. They were also wonderful artists and builders whose temples, such as the Parthenon in Athens, are still considered to be some of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

A highly detailed study of the closest friends and most trusted commanders of Alexander the Great - their career-progress, rivalry with one another, their influence on Alexander.

Providing a vibrant new perspective on women in the classical world, A to Z of Ancient Greek and Roman Women, Revised Edition includes more than 500 fascinating life stories ranging from pagan Greece in the seventh century BCE to the rise of Christianity in the fourth century CE. Included in this accessible and user-friendly dictionary are tales from all corners of the Greek and Roman worldsfrom Britain and Egypt to Syria and Mauritania. The authors of this invaluable reference guide have created multidimensional and intriguing biographies of women from all walks of lifepoets and poisoners, wives and mistresses, businesswomen and slaves, rulers and victimsall noted for their accomplishments as well as their family ties.