The Barbarians of Ancient Europe: Realities and Interactions

Description

The Barbarians of Ancient Europe deals with the reality of the indigenous peoples of Europe, in contrast to many publications that explore these peoples in the context of the Greek idea of 'barbarians' as the 'Other'. These varied groups - Thracians, Scythians, Celts, Germans, Etruscans, and other peoples of Italy, the Alps, and beyond - had contact with one another and with Greek culture during its flowering. Images on the spectacular gold and silver objects buried in royal tombs show how the horse-riding nomads and the barbarian women warriors known in antiquity as Amazons saw themselves. Archaeological discoveries show how they dressed, what they ate and drank, where they lived, and how they honored their dead kings with barbaric splendor and human sacrifices, allowing us to change, correct, or confirm the picture given in Greek and Roman literature.

Larissa Bonfante is Professor of Classics, Emerita, at New York University. A member of the American Philosophical Society and the German Archaeological Institute and President of the US section of the Istituto di Studi Etruschi, she is the author of Etruscan Dress, Etruscan Life and Afterlife and The Etruscan Language: An Introduction (with Giuliano Bonfante); co-editor of The World of Roman Costume; and co-author of Etruscan Myths.

'This is an amazing collection of essays and an astonishing illumination of what was happening in Central Europe during the years of Greek civilization. The word 'barbarian' will never lose its detrimental quality, but at least, thanks to this volume, one is better informed as to what was really happening.' Duane W. Roller, AHB Online Reviews '... the volume is well-planned and consistent. It will be a welcome addition to university and personal libraries. There is much dialogue between individual chapters, and in general they are well-written and clear with a large number of illustrations.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review 'This collection will prove especially useful for readers approaching these topics for the first time, while specialists too will find much of interest.' The Journal of Hellenic Studies