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Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World Hardback - 2014

Name: Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World
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Author: Scott, Michael
ISBN: 9780691150819

by Michael Scott

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From the publisher

A comprehensive narrative history of the ancient world's center, from its founding to its modern rediscovery

The oracle and sanctuary of the Greek god Apollo at Delphi were known as the "omphalos"--the "center" or "navel"--of the ancient world for more than 1,000 years. Individuals, city leaders, and kings came from all over the Mediterranean and beyond to consult Delphi's oracular priestess; to set up monuments to the gods; and to take part in competitions.

In this richly illustrated account, Michael Scott covers the history and nature of Delphi, from the literary and archaeological evidence surrounding the site, to its rise as a center of worship, to the constant appeal of the oracle despite her cryptic prophecies. He describes how Delphi became a contested sacred site for Greeks and Romans and a storehouse for the treasures of rival city-states and foreign kings. He also examines the eventual decline of the site and how its meaning and importance have continued to be reshaped.

A unique window into the center of the ancient world, Delphi will appeal to general readers, tourists, students, and specialists.

From the rear cover

"Like the two eagles released by Zeus from opposite ends of the world who then met in Delphi, Michael Scott gets to the heart of antiquity's most celebrated and enigmatic oracle. A vivid and lucid study that reanimates the mentality of those who consulted Apollo more convincingly than any other I have read."--Tom Holland, author of Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West

"Learned and elegant, Michael Scott's Delphi offers an in-the-round study of the heart of ancient Greece, a focus of religion, art, athletics, intrigue, and treasure so potent that it still gives us an adjective for enigmatic--'Delphic.' Scott's irresistible narrative brings it all back to life."--Barry Strauss, author of Masters of Command: Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, and the Genius of Leadership

"Few scholars know the history of ancient Delphi as intimately as Michael Scott does. Apollo's injunction to 'know yourself' is as hard to obey now as it was in ancient times, but readers seeking enlightenment will surely be encouraged to learn that the unsettling Delphic effect is good for them. On a more earthly plane, they will find Scott's expert guidance to the site and its museum invaluable."--Paul Cartledge, author of After Thermopylae: The Oath of Plataea and the End of the Graeco-Persian Wars

Details

Title Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World
Author Michael Scott
Binding Hardback
Edition First Edition
Pages 440
Volumes 1
Language ENG
Publisher Princeton University Press, Princeton
Publication date 2014-03-10
Features Bibliography, Dust Cover, Index, Maps, Table of Contents
ISBN 9780691150819 / 0691150818
Weight 1.7 lbs (0.77 kg)
Dimensions 9.47 x 6.48 x 1.21 in (24.05 x 16.46 x 3.07 cm)
Themes
- Chronological Period: Ancient (To 499 A.D.)
- Cultural Region: Greece
Category History - General History
Library of Congress subjects Delphi (Extinct city) - History, Delphian oracle - History
Library of Congress Catalogue Number 201393891
Dewey Decimal Code 938.2

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Citations

Choice, 10/01/2014, Page 32
Publishers Weekly, 02/10/2014, Page 0

About the author

Michael Scott is associate professor of classics and ancient history at the University of Warwick. He has written and presented a number of ancient history documentaries for National Geographic, the History channel, Nova, and the BBC, including one on Delphi.

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Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World

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Princeton University Press, 2014-03-10. hardcover. Used: Good. 6.48x1.21x9.47. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.

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DELPHI A History of the Center of the Ancient World

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Princeton University Press. Very Good+ in Very Good+ dust jacket. 2014. Hardcover. 0691150818 . Small remainder mark to textblock (black dot). Else fine. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 448 pages .

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Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World

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Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2014. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Hardcover. Fine/As New. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. First Edition, First printing. Bound in publisher's original brown cloth with the spine stamped in gilt. Remainder mark/dot on the top edge otherwise unmarked, square, and tight. Like New.

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Delphi - A History Of The Center Of The Ancient World

by Scott, Michael

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Princeton University Press, 2014. 1st edition.. Hardback. Boards, dj, F/F. xviii+422pp, 8pp colour plates, 3 b/w maps, b/w illustration, index, a fine copy. A history of the Oracle & Sanctuary of the Greek God Apollo which was located at Delphi, and which for 1000 years was the centre of the classical world.