Front Matter

A reading from Homer.

Preface

The plan of this book is not only to present a simple outline of the chief events in the history of ancient Greece, but also to picture the customs of the people, their manner of living and thinking and feeling. So far as the size and scope of the little volume will permit, the names of those who were masters in art and literature are introduced, not in separate chapters as mere adjuncts to political history, but in their natural connection with the annals of their times, and ever in accordance with Plutarch's dictum, "Often an action of small note, a short saying or a jest, shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges or the most important battles."

In treating of the wars of Greece, I have followed their course as briefly as possible, and have given the space often allotted to details of battles to characteristic stories of some of the famous leaders, or a description of some one military operation that illustrates the difference between ancient and modern ways of conducting such affairs. In short, I have used the wars to illustrate the people, and not the people to display the minutiæ of the wars.

The illustrations for the book are intended to put the reader into the spirit of the Greek world, and to aid the imagination in interpreting the text. They have been taken from a great variety of sources, in the majority of cases representing Greek art in the form of architecture, statuary, bas-reliefs, vase-paintings, and coins, which reveal something of the artistic genius and the wonderful versatility of this people.

The never-failing fascination of the study of the Greeks, of their brilliancy of intellect, their love of country, their versatility, even their very faults, must seize upon one who becomes familiar with them in ever so slight a degree. If this little book affords as much pleasure to the reader as its preparation has given to the writer, its existence will be justified.

Eva March Tappan

Important Dates In Greek History