The Greek Cities of Magna Graecia and Sicily (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Lorena Jannelli (Author), Fausto Longo (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

After colonizing the Aegean islands and the coast of Asia Minor, the ancient Greeks turned toward southern Italy and Sicily, driven by the unrest that troubled their homeland in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. The new arrivals brought with them their language, as well as their cultural and religious traditions and the institution of the polis. In Italy they created an autonomous political community that eventually surpassed the cities of Greece in wealth, military power, and architectural and cultural splendor. Such forefathers of Western philosophy as Pythagoras, Parmenides, and Archimedes lived and worked within this civilization. The Greek Cities of Magna Graecia and Sicily presents an overview of Greek colonization in Italy and the principal historical events that took place in this area from the Archaic period until the ascendancy of the Romans. This comprehensive survey is followed by a review of the major archaeological sites in the region.

About the Author

Luca Cerchiai is professor of Italian archaeology and Etruscology at the University of Salerno. Lorena Jannelli is archaeological inspector at the Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici of Liguria. Fausto Longo is a specialist in classical archaeology at the University of Lecce and doctor of research in archaeology at the University of Naples.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Getty Publications (June 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892367512
• ISBN-13: 978-0892367511
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #101,635 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars re Magna Graecia and Sicily, October 1, 2006

By	Jaroslav A. Polasek - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a must have for anybody visiting Magna Graecia area in Italy. Major excavation sites are well described and richly illustrated with perfect photos.
Discussed archeological sites of Greek settlements are as follows:
Gulf of Naples (Ischia, Pithekoussai,Cumae, Partenope and Naples),
Poseidonia/Paestum,
Velia,
Lokroi Epizephyrioi,
Kroton,
Sybaris and Thurii,
Siris and Herakleia,
Metapontion,
Taranto,
Naxos,
Taormina (Tauromenion),
Lentini and Catania,
Zankle/Messina Milazzo (Mylai),
Lipari,
Tindari,
Himera,
Megara Hyblaia,
Syracuse,
Eloro, Acre and Kasmenai,
Gela,
Kamarina,
Morgantina,
Agrigento (Akragas),
Selinunte,
Herakleia Minoa,
Segesta.

For the average tourist visiting these sites it is minor pity that modern communications- approaching roads connecting these sites are not discussed in this book.
(For example navigating to Paestum it is good to know that it is located in a community called Capaccio).
But in a Summary: job well done.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Badly Needed, July 9, 2009

By	A. Blunk (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a needed work on the Greek colonies in Italy and Sicily. Not only does it provide detailed histories and layouts of each of the included cities, but the pictures are stunning and plentiful. Highly recommended on the pics alone, and to anyone interested in Ancient Greek History

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Stuff, January 31, 2009

By	NetEngMN (Minnesota, USA) - See all my reviews

This is a great book. If you're interested in the ancient Greeks, southern Italy and Sicily, or Mediterranean ancient history, this is great addition.