"Another innovation of Cleisthenes was ostracism. The ecclesia voted once a year, if there was demand, on the exile for ten years of a leading politician. Citizens could propose anyone they wished. There was no question of punishment for criminality, rather a desire, in Plutarch's phrase, to 'humble and cut back oppressive prestige and power.'"
-Anthony Everitt, "The Rise of Athens"
pickThis was very interesting. I‘ve read much about the Roman Empire and watched a lot of documentaries about the emperors themselves, but never did I come across a study of the life of „normal“ Roman people. This book shows the ordinary life with the help of 24 different persons. Especially the the person last chapter „The parasite returns from dinner“ was new to me. I never knew that there have been spongers who attended dinners to entertain. 🧽🧽🧽
You can recreate the recipes of Ancient Roman bread, as long as you‘re not interrupted by pyroclastic flows from a nearby volcano. 🤣🌋🤣🌋
… cheerful knowledge that the copyright expired centuries ago… 🤣🤣🤣
Next up for reading.
pickThis I definitely a nice introduction to Ancient Egypt, written from an interesting point of view - the one of the population. With general information in boxes and additional pictures it gives the reader a first insight into the culture. This is not a book for a pro though.
pickWho‘s in charge now?
I like the layout very much, it is interesting and pleasing to the eye. Pictures and background information boxes are added as well.
I bought this series some time ago because someone posted it here on Litsy and I found it intriguing. After being in my Kindle library for over one year now, I finally started it. 🥳🥳🥳
