A Journey Through the Classical Period in Europe: Exploring Memory, Identity, and the Uses of the Past
Summary
This book takes readers on a journey through the Classical period in Europe, from the Minoan civilization to the Roman Empire. It explores the themes of memory, communal identity, and the uses of the classical past in more recent periods, examining how people in the past saw themselves in relation to their own history and the impact this had on their identity. The book also delves into how people in more recent times have used and abused the classical past for their own purposes. Additionally, the book discusses communal identities, including civic, ethnic, regional, cultural, and linguistic, and the changing ideas of Europe’s boundaries and what constitutes ‘Classical’.
Table of Contents
- Memory, Communal Identity, and the Uses of the Past
- Cultural Identities within the Roman Empire
- Changing Ideas of Europe’s Boundaries and What Constitutes ‘Classical’
- Spatial Concepts and Settlement Sizes
- The Palaces in Crete and Mainland Greece
Q&A
Q: What are the main themes explored in the book?
A: The book explores three main themes: memory, communal identity, and the uses of the classical past in more recent periods. The concept of memory is central, as it emphasizes how people in the past saw themselves in relation to their own past and how this perception shaped their identity. This theme is also explored from the perspective of how people in more recent times have used and abused the classical past for their own purposes. The second theme is communal identities, and the book explores the various ways in which the peoples of Europe defined themselves, including civic, ethnic, regional, cultural, and linguistic.
Q: What is discussed in the section on cultural identities within the Roman Empire?
A: The section on cultural identities within the Roman Empire explores the varied forms of Romanization across the empire and the impact on historical memory, particularly in Western and Eastern provinces. Additionally, the communal identities of minority groups, including Jews and Christians, are examined.
Q: How does the book delve into changing ideas of Europe’s boundaries and what constitutes ‘Classical’?
A: The book explores the changing ideas of Europe’s boundaries, from its distinction from ‘Asia’ to the Roman Empire’s expansion. It also discusses the spatial concepts of settlement sizes measured in hectares, and how Greek names are treated in existing materials.
Q: What is covered in the section on the palaces in Crete and mainland Greece?
A: The section on the palaces in Crete and mainland Greece delves into the period of the palaces in Crete and mainland Greece, as well as the chronological and technical contributions of Heinrich Schliemann’s excavations at Troy and other ‘Homeric’ sites, as well as the establishment of present views on the early Aegean by Sir Arthur Evans’ excavations at Knossos on Crete.
Q: Who is Heinrich Schliemann and what contributions did he make to the study of the Classical period?
A: Heinrich Schliemann was a German archaeologist who is best known for his excavations at Troy and other ‘Homeric’ sites. His work sparked an interest in the classical past and helped to establish the discipline of archaeology.
Q: What is the significance of Sir Arthur Evans’ excavations at Knossos on Crete?
A: Sir Arthur Evans’ excavations at Knossos on Crete revealed new evidence of early writing, monumental structures, bright wall-paintings, and Linear B tablets. This provided valuable insights into the Minoan culture and contributed to our understanding of the early Aegean.
Conclusion
This book takes readers on an insightful journey through the Classical period in Europe, exploring themes of memory, communal identity, and the uses of the classical past in more recent periods. With a focus on the peoples of the northern Mediterranean basin, including the Greeks and Romans, the book provides a comprehensive study of this important period in human history. From the palaces in Crete to the Roman Empire, readers will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities and nuances of this fascinating era.
