A Smaller History of Greece: from the Earliest Times to the Roman Conquest

"A Smaller History of Greece: from the Earliest Times to the Roman Conquest" by William Smith is a historical narrative that journeys through the development of ancient Greece, beginning with its unique geography of mountains and scattered city-states that fueled a spirit of independence and maritime activity. It traces the origins of the Greek people from the Pelasgians to the rise of heroes like Hercules and Theseus, setting the stage for understanding the social structures and political changes, like democracy, that defined the city-states. The narrative builds toward major conflicts such as the Persian Wars, significant events that shaped Greece before the Roman conquest.