Anthony Andrews, an outstanding researcher in the history of the Ancient World, professor at Oxford University, presented a vivid picture of the characteristic features of ancient Greek society in the archaic and classical eras, from the 8th to the 4th century BC. e. In an original and accessible form, the author covers the history of various social institutions and social attitudes, many of which were inherited by the modern Western world. Paying great attention to archaeological data, Andrews talks about Greek tribal and tribal communities, types of land ownership, colonization and slavery. He also draws attention to the consequences for society of the activities of the courts that nurtured oratory, the change of commanders, the confrontation of Spartan military power and the powerful Athenian fleet, the influence exerted on society by the ancient Greek religion. The narrative is accompanied by maps and photographic materials.