In the Land of a Thousand Gods : A History of Asia Minor in the Ancient World

A monumental history of Asia Minor from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire In this critically acclaimed book, Christian Marek masterfully provides the first comprehensive history of Asia Minor from prehistory to the Roman imperial period. Blending rich narrative with in-depth analyses, In the Land of a Thousand Gods shows Asia Minor’s shifting orientation between East and West and its role as both a melting pot of nations and a bridge for cultural transmission. Marek employs ancient sources to illuminate civic institutions, urban and rural society, agriculture, trade and money, the influential Greek writers of the Second Sophistic, the notoriously bloody exhibitions of the gladiatorial arena, and more. He draws on the latest research―in fields ranging from demography and economics to architecture and religion―to describe how Asia Minor became a center of culture and wealth in the Roman Empire. A breathtaking work of scholarship, In the Land of a Thousand Gods will become the standard reference book on the subject in English. "First published in German under the title Geschichte Kleinasiens in der Antike, by Christian Marek, A Verlag C.H. Beck oHG, Meunchen 2010." This monumental book provides the first comprehensive history of Asia Minor from prehistory to the Roman imperial period. In this English-language edition of the critically acclaimed German book, Christian Marek masterfully employs ancient sources to illuminate civic institutions, urban and rural society, agriculture, trade and money, the influential Greek writers of the Second Sophistic, the notoriously bloody exhibitions of the gladiatorial arena, and more. In the Land of a Thousand Gods is truly panoramic in scope. Blending rich narrative with in-depth analyses of political, social, and economic history, the book traces Asia Minor's shifting orientation between East and West and examines its role as both a melting pot of nations and a bridge for cultural transmission. Marek takes readers from the earliest known Stone Age settlements to the end of antiquity. He covers the emergence of early Greek poetry and science, the invention of coinage, Persian domination, the prosperity of cities under the Hellenistic kings, and the establishment of Roman provinces. Marek draws on the latest research--in fields ranging from demography and economics to architecture and religion--to describe how Asia Minor became a center of culture and wealth in the Roman Empire. He shows how the advancement of Hellenic culture and civic autonomy was the irreversible legacy of the Pax Romana. A breathtaking work of scholarship, In the Land of a Thousand Gods will become the standard reference book on the subject in English This monumental book provides the first comprehensive history of Asia Minor from prehistory to the Roman imperial period. In this handsome English-language edition of the critically acclaimed German book, Christian Marek masterfully weaves together illuminating citations from the ancient sources with vivid sketches of civic institutions, urban and rural society, agriculture, trade and money, the influential Greek writers of the Second Sophistic, the notoriously bloody exhibitions of the gladiatorial arena, and more. In the Land of a Thousand Gods is truly panoramic in scope. Blending rich narrative history with in-depth analyses of political, social, and economic achievements, it traces Asia Minor's shifting orientation between East and West in the ancient world and examines its roles as both a melting pot of nations and a bridge for cultural transmission. Marek takes readers from the earliest known Stone Age settlements to the appearance and downfall of Bronze and Iron Age empires. He covers the emergence of early Greek poetry and science, the invention of coinage, Persian domination and the prosperity of cities under the Hellenistic kings, and the establishment of Roman provinces. Marek draws on the latest research--in fields ranging from demography and economics to architecture and religion--to describe how Asia Minor became a civilized and wealthy part of the Roman Empire, and shows how the advancement of Hellenization and civic autonomy was the irreversible legacy of the Pax Romana. A breathtaking work of scholarship, In the Land of a Thousand Gods is destined to become the standard reference book on the subject in English. This Monumental Book Provides The First Comprehensive History Of Asia Minor From Prehistory To The Roman Imperial Period. In This English-language Edition Of The Critically Acclaimed German Book, Christian Marek Masterfully Employs Ancient Sources To Illuminate Civic Institutions, Urban And Rural Society, Agriculture, Trade And Money, The Influential Greek Writers Of The Second Sophistic, The Notoriously Bloody Exhibitions Of The Gladiatorial Arena, And More. Introduction: Anatolia Between East And West -- Modern Fieldwork In Asia Minor -- From Prehistory To The Oldest Written Culture -- The Late Bronze And Iron Age -- The Western Persian Empire And The World Of The Greeks In Asia Minor (547/546 To 333 Bce) -- Monarchies, Vassals, And Cities From Alexander's Empire To The Pax Romana (331 Bce To 31 Bce) -- Imperium Romanum: The Provinces From Augustus To Aurelian -- Asia Minor And Imperial Administration Under The Principate -- Economic, Socio-political, And Cultural Conditions In The Provinces Of The Imperial Period -- Epilogue And Outlook. Christian Marek, In Collaboration With Peter Frei ; Translated By Steven Rendall. First Published In German Under The Title Geschichte Kleinasiens In Der Antike, By Christian Marek, © Verlag C.h. Beck Ohg, München 2010. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.