Men of Athens

By Olivia Coolidge

Witness Athens' rise and fall through battles, diplomacy, and a philosopher's fate.

2.7/5 Goodreads · 32 ratings

218 pages

$15.95Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Step into the Golden Age of Athens, where Themistocles outwits Spartans, Criton fights for Olympic glory, and a potter seeks excellence. Amidst this vibrant era, the trial of Socrates looms, threatening the city's soul. Will Athens endure beyond its brightest days?

From the publisher

In these short stories, Olivia Coolidge puts flesh and blood on the history of the Golden Age of Athens-a highly colored panorama of the times and men who made the glory of Athens Golden Age. Here is the barbaric splendor of the Persian court of Sardis; a stirring view of the battle of Salamis; here is Themistocles, the ambassador from Athens, cleverly outmaneuvering the smug and simple Spartans; Criton, the athlete, defending the honor of his city at the Olympic games; the battle of the marketplace where even a potter strives for an excellence worthy of his city. Finally after the flashing brilliance of Athens at its height of power, there is a moving account of the day that Socrates is condemned to death, a verdict that seems to spell the death of Athens itself. A true visit to the world of the Athenian century!