A Companion to Greek and Roman Political Thought [Paperback]

Justice, virtue, and citizenship were at the center of political life in ancient Greece and Rome and were frequently discussed by classical poets, historians, and philosophers. This Companion illuminates Greek and Roman political thought in all its range, diversity, and depth. Thirty-four essays from leading scholars in history, classics, philosophy, and political science provide stimulating discussions of classical political thought, ranging from the Archaic Greek epics to the final days of the Roman Empire and beyond. These essays strike a judicious yet thought-provoking balance between theoretical and historical perspectives.

A Companion to Greek and Roman Political Thought is an authoritative guide to the ancient Greek and Roman political questions that continue to shape and challenge the modern world.

Notes on Contributors x

Acknowledgments xvi

Note on Translations xvii

List of Abbreviations xviii

Part I The Broad View 1

1 Introduction: Rethinking the History of Greek and Roman Political Thought 3

Ryan K. Balot

2 What is Politics in the Ancient World? 20

Dean Hammer

3 Early Greek Political Thought in Its Mediterranean Context 37

Kurt A. Raaflaub

4 Civic Ideology and Citizenship 57

P. J. Rhodes

5 Public Action and Rational Choice in Classical Greek Political Theory 70

Josiah Ober

6 Imperial Ideologies, Citizenship Myths, and Legal Disputes in Classical Athens and Republican Rome85

Craige B. Champion