Cities of the Classical World: An Atlas and Gazetteer of 120 Centres of Ancient Civilization

From Alexandria to York, this unique illustrated guide allows us to see the great centres of classical civilization afresh. The key feature of Cities of the Classical World is 120 specially drawn maps tracing each citys thoroughfares and defences, monuments and places of worship. Every map is to the same scale, allowing readers for the first time to appreciate visually the relative sizes of Babylon and Paris, London and Constantinople. There is also a clear, incisive commentary on each citys development, strategic importance, rulers and ordinary inhabitants. This compelling and elegant atlas opens a new window on to the ancient world, and will transform the way we see it. Colin McEvedy (1930-2005) was a psychiatrist, historian and demographer. His many acclaimed books included seven earlier Penguin atlases. Cities of the Classical World, the last book he compiled before his death in 2005, is the result of a lifetimes enthusiasm for classical history, and of many years spent travelling to major ancient sites from Babylon to Pompeii.- Colin McEvedy was a polymath. If you wanted to know something, the obvious move was to ask McEvedy- Independent What distinguishes his atlas histories is a talent for compressing vast amounts of information-. . . the research is meticulous; the style is witty and breezily undeferential- The Times