Wie 'machen' Althistoriker Alte Geschichte? Ist das, was sie tun, Handwerk oder Wissenschaft? Oder wenden sie nur überlieferte Strategien an, um pragmatisch und risikofrei aus dem zufällig überlieferten Material – Inschriften, Münzen, Tonscherben, Überresten von Gebäuden, Kunstwerken und vor allem literarischen Texten – neue Texte zu produzieren? Wie erheben sie 'Fakten', wie bilden sie 'Sinn', in Abgrenzung zu Pseudohistorie oder fiktionaler Literatur? Und wofür brauchen wir überhaupt (Alte) Geschichte? In seinem schwungvoll geschriebenen Essay macht Neville Morley Lust, über diese und verwandte Fragen nachzudenken. Ohne erhobenen Zeigefinger, dafür bisweilen sarkastisch oder auch humorvoll durchleuchtet er Routinen und ermutigt Anfänger ebenso wie bereits Frustrierte, sich auf dem Weg in die Antike ihres eigenen Verstandes zu bedienen.
Neville Morley Bücher






Thucydides and the Idea of History
- 213 Seiten
- 8 Lesestunden
From the eighteenth century onwards, the ancient Greek writer Thucydides (c 460 - c 395 BCE) was viewed as the most important classical historian. He was acclaimed not only as a vital source for reconstructing antiquity but as a purveyor of timeless political wisdom.
Classics
- 140 Seiten
- 5 Lesestunden
For generations, the study of Greek and Latin was used to train the elites of the western world. Knowledge of classical culture, it was believed, produced more cultivated, creative individuals; Greece and Rome were seen as pinnacles of civilization, and the origins of western superiority over the rest of the world.
Ancient History is a sourcebook of writings on ancient history. It offers an invaluable introduction to the most important ideas, theories and controversies, and a thought-provoking survey of the range of views and approaches.
Metropolis and Hinterland
The City of Rome and the Italian Economy, 200 BC Ad 200
- 224 Seiten
- 8 Lesestunden
Focusing on the expansion of Rome, this book examines how the city's increasing need for food and migrant labor influenced the broader Italian economy. It delves into the interplay between urban growth and economic demands, providing insights into the socio-economic dynamics of ancient Rome and its impact on the surrounding regions.
Trade in Classical Antiquity
- 134 Seiten
- 5 Lesestunden
The book delves into the complex role of trade in classical antiquity, examining its dual nature as both a vital component of Mediterranean economies and a source of tension within social hierarchies. It highlights how trade fueled the growth of Athenian and Roman power while being viewed with suspicion by elites who feared its impact on social order. Additionally, the text connects ancient trade to broader themes of politics, morality, and societal structure, drawing parallels to modern debates on trade's role in poverty alleviation versus exploitation.
The first accessible guide for students to show how theories, models and concepts have been applied to ancient history.
The book delves into the enduring influence of the Roman Empire on Western culture, examining its significance from the perspective of its subjects. It analyzes how the legacy of Rome continues to resonate over a thousand years after its fall, exploring themes of identity, power, and cultural memory. Through this exploration, it highlights the complex relationship between the empire and those who lived under its rule, offering insights into the lasting impact of Rome on contemporary society.