Piracy in the Graeco-Roman World
Piracy in the Graeco-Roman World
$54.00
USDThis book is an historical study of piracy in the ancient Greek and Roman world. It examines the origins and growth of piracy, the impact of piracy on trade, and the relationship between warfare and piracy, and evaluates attempts to suppress piracy by the states and rulers of the ancient world. A major innovation is the author's discussion of the way that pirates and piracy are portrayed in major works of classical literature, including Homer, Cicero and the ancient novels.
- First comprehensive study of piracy since 1924
- Explores the fascinating relationship between warfare and piracy
- Quotes a wide range of ancient sources in English translation
Reviews & endorsements
"...a substantial contribution to the history of maritime marauding in the Mediterranean during the classical age." The American Neptune
"Philip de Souza, who is a senior lecturer in classical studies at St. Mary's University College in England, has done a splendid job of research and has succeeded in deciphering many of the mysteries about piracy in the ancient Mediterranean. It is a book written for classical scholars and the true pirate enthusiasts..." Bowling Green, KY News
"This meticulous work of scholarship will not be superseded for many decades." Choice
"Piracy is an excellent, even 'sexy' topic. De Souza's work, particularly the chapters on Hellenistic and Roman piracy, touches on many of these subjects in an interesting and enlightening manner." BMR, Kathryn Simonsen, University of Alberta
"...no one until now has undertaken a careful analysis of the portrayal of piracy by contemporary writers...it is essential for anyone dealing with these periods of history." The Northern Mariner
"Philip de Souza's excellent new book on ancient piracy is mostly concerned with the impact of outlaw violence at the level of the private world." The International History Review
Product details
August 2002Paperback
9780521012409
296 pages
228 × 152 × 21 mm
0.472kg
4 b/w illus. 5 maps
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The origins of piracy from the Bronze Age to Alexander
- 3. Hellenistic piracy
- 4. Cilician piracy
- 5. Pompey and the pirates
- 6. Pax Romana
- 7. Piracy in Late Antiquity
- 8. Conclusions.
