Ancient Languages and Cultures (ALC): Reference works

For almost half a century The Oxford Classical Dictionary has been the unrivalled one-volume reference work on the Greco-Roman world. Whether one is interested in literature or art, philosophy or law, mythology or science, intimate details of daily life or broad cultural and historical trends,the OCD is the first place to turn for clear, authoritative information on all aspects of the ancient world. This redoubtable resource now appears in its third edition, some twenty per cent larger than the previous edition, with virtually every entry rewritten and updated and hundreds of brand newentries added which reflect the expanded scope of classical studies. In over six thousand entries ranging from long articles to brief definitions the Third Edition provides for the insights and interests of a new generation of classical scholars. Readers will find substantial coverage of women in the ancient world with entries on abortion, breast-feeding, andmotherhood; sexuality including homosexuality, love and friendship, contraception, and pornography; Asia and the far east with entries ranging from Gandhara to the Persian Gulf; Jews; and early Christians. In addition new thematic articles reflect the current emphasis on multidisciplinary approachesto classical studies. These articles include anthropology and the classics, Marxism and classical antiquity, and literary theory and classical studies, while others examine issues of general interest to modern readers such as race, class struggle, ethnicity, alcoholism, incest, propaganda, suicide,pollution, and much more. The OCDis a truly international work of collaborative scholarship with entries from the world's top classical scholars, and the very best experts providing specialist subject area knowledge. Specialist area advisers include Pat Easterling on Greek literature, Tony Honore on Roman law, Amelie Kuhrton Near Eastern studies, John Matthews on late antiquity, and Martha Nussbaum on philosophy, making this the ultimate authority on the classical world. Contributors... Over 364 of the very best scholars in classics from all over the world, including Albert Henrichs, Fritz Graf, Gian Biagio Conte, Oswyn Murray, Elaine Fantham, Julia Annas, J.J. Pollitt, and Michael Jameson.

This superbly illustrated book is divided into three main sections. The first, Greece, runs from the eighth to the fourth centuries BC, a period unparalleled in history for its brilliance in literature, philosophy, and the visual arts. The second, Greece and Rome, deals with the Hellenizationof the Middle East by the monarchies established in the area conquered by Alexander the Great, the growth of Rome, and the impact of the two cultures on one another. The third, Rome, covers the foundation of the Roman Empire by Augustus and its consolidation in the first two centuries AD. An envoidiscusses some aspects of the later Empire and its influence on western civilization, not least through the adoption of Christianity.

This is an A-Z guide to the mythology of the classical world, covering all the principal myths, gods and goddesses, together with the personalities, places, animals, monsters, heavenly bodies and events of classical mythology. Background historical and archaeological information is provided. The outline accounts are supplemented by extensive quotations from the original sources, to help bring the narrative to life and show how literary traditions shaped the development of classical mythology.