Geography in Classical Antiquity [Hardcover]

An introduction to the earliest ideas of geography in antiquity and how much knowledge there was of the physical world.This book explores the beginnings and development of geographical ideas in Classical antiquity and demonstrates technical methods for describing landscape, topographies and ethnographies. The survey relies on a variety of sources: philosophical and scientific texts but also poems and travelogues; papyrological remains and visual monuments.This book explores the beginnings and development of geographical ideas in Classical antiquity and demonstrates technical methods for describing landscape, topographies and ethnographies. The survey relies on a variety of sources: philosophical and scientific texts but also poems and travelogues; papyrological remains and visual monuments.What were the limits of knowledge of the physical world in Greek and Roman antiquity? How far did travellers get and what did they know about far-away regions? How did they describe foreign countries and peoples? How did they measure the earth, and distances and heights on it? Ideas about the physical and cultural world are a key aspect of ancient history, but until now there has been no up-to-date modern overview of the subject. This book explores the beginnings and development of geographical ideas in Classical antiquity and demonstrates technical methods for describing landscape, topographies and ethnographies. The survey relies on a variety of sources: philosophical and scientific texts but also poems and travelogues; papyrological remains and visual monuments.1. Introduction; 2. Descriptive geography; 3. Mathematical geography; 4. Cartography; 5. Geography in practice. ...first-rate book.... -- BMCR ...thoughtfully designed and written with care and attention to detail. Highly recommended. --Choice ...this little book successfully enhances the curiosity of the reader. Even though it is meant to be a basic introduction, the book sparks debate. ....most welcome addition to tl“µ