Greece in the Making 1200-479 BC

Greece in the Making 1200–479 BC offers an accessible yet scholarly exploration of Greek history spanning from the end of the Bronze Age to the Classical era. Robin Osborne guides us through this transformative period with an emphasis on understanding contemporary evidence - largely archaeological and art historical - rather than relying solely on later literary accounts. By drawing attention to the selective nature of surviving inscriptions and poems, Osborne challenges traditional narratives that have long shaped our understanding of archaic Greece. The narrative confronts the established interpretations and calls for a critical assessment of how historical evidence has been filtered through later traditions, ensuring that the authentic context of the era is fully appreciated. In this second edition, Osborne has refined his approach by incorporating recent scholarship and reorganizing the text to address earlier oversights. With a deliberate choice to forgo conventional narratives like the 'rise of the polis' and 'colonization', the book instead distributes discussions of Greek settlement abroad across various chapters. Enhanced analyses of economic history alongside a more systematic treatment of gender and sexuality make this work an indispensable resource for both students and educators.