The World of the Western Greeks

This volume presents studies by international experts on aspects of the society, economy, religion, culture, and history of the Greek settlements of the ancient western Mediterranean, one of the most innovative areas of the ancient Greek world. Across 43 chapters, this book synthesizes material evidence, integrates this with ancient sources, and introduces key methodological debates on the nature and study of Greek settlement in the west. It provides an overview of the history of the region, from earliest contact with the Greek world to the Roman period, and examines the relationships between Greek and non-Greek populations of the western Mediterranean and how they shaped each other's histories and cultures. The volume also explores aspects of the economy, society and culture of the region, illustrating the contribution of the western Greeks to shaping wider Greek culture and identity. By adopting a wide-ranging approach, integrating material evidence and ancient sources, it illuminates the diversity and innovative nature of the western Greek world from its earliest development to the aftermath of the Roman conquest. The World of the Western Greeks is an essential reference work for students and scholars of the Greek western Mediterranean and its history, culture, and society.