Classics and Greco-Roman Archaeology

An account of astrology from its beginnings in Mesopotamia, focusing on the Greco-Roman world, Ancient Astrology examines the theoretical development and changing social and political role of astrology.

Focuses mainly on ancient Greek astronomy. If you're looking to learn how to use an astrolabe, design a sundial, or other such things, this book will teach you. Includes exercises to help you learn ancient techniques.

Excellent introduction to how the Greeks and Romans understood the natural world.

"This book examines birds in Roman life and myth, focusing primarily on the transitional period of 100 BCE to 100 CE within the Italian peninsula. A diverse range of topics are considered to build a broad view of the role of birds in Roman life. It begins by examining birds in omens, augury, and auspices, with particular emphasis on the so-called sacred chickens consulted by magistrates and generals before important decisions. From there, it looks at how Romans hunted birds, farmed them, and kept them as pets."

"Reviel Netz offers a panoramic view of the rise and influence of Greek mathematics and its significance in world history. He explores the Near Eastern antecedents and the social and intellectual developments underlying the subject's beginnings in Greece in the fifth century BCE. He leads the reader through the proofs and arguments of key figures like Archytas, Euclid and Archimedes, and considers the totality of the Greek mathematical achievement which also includes, in addition to pure mathematics, such applied fields as optics, music, mechanics and, above all, astronomy."

The standard introductory work by one of the foremost historians of ancient medicine.

"Quoting the actual words of ancient authors, often from texts which have never before been translated into English, McKeown offers a fascinating glimpse at the origins of surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, pharmacology, diet and nutrition, and many other fields of medicine."

Greek medicine can be a forbidding subject, but this sourcebook has primary texts with lucid explanatory notes.

An excellent overview not only of the beginning of gynecology but also of the various ways doctors understood the female body, which they thought was somehow fundamentally different from the male body.

Focuses on the experience of women as patients and practitioners in the Roman empire from ca. 14-210 CE.

"Offers an in depth synthesis of science and medicine circa 650 BCE to 650 CE. The Handbook comprises five sections, each with a specific focus on ancient science and medicine."

Cruse looks at many different aspects of medicine and health in the Roman Empire, particularly Roman Britain.

"Toxicology in Antiquity provides an authoritative and fascinating exploration into the use of toxins and poisons in antiquity."

Want to know why ancient medical knowledge persisted so long into the modern era? This book will explain why.

"Through five case-studies, this book sets ancient technical knowledge in its political, social and intellectual context. It explores the definition of the techne of medicine in classical Athens, the development of new military technology in Hellenistic times, the self-image of technicians through funerary art in the early Roman Empire, the resolution of boundary disputes in the early second century AD, and the status of architecture and architects in late antiquity."

"A latest installment of the popular series is a survey of early human innovations from tools and cooking utensils to early transportation vehicles and contraceptives, in an illustrated history that features hundreds of photographs and specially commissioned diagrams, reconstructions, and plans."

“This book places emphasis on the technical aspects of that architecture, following the process of building through each stage, from quarry to standing wall, from tree to roof timbers. He also discusses interior decoration and looks at the practical aspects of water supply, heating and roads. This book looks at large-scale public buildings but also at more modest homes and shops. With over 700 illustrations."

"This book presents an authoritative and detailed survey of the art of woodworking in the ancient Roman world. Illustrated with over 200 line drawings and photographs, Roman Woodworking covers topics such as the training and guild memberships of Roman carpenters, woodworking tools and techniques, the role of timber in construction and the availability of trees, and interior woodwork and furniture making. It also includes an extensive glossary of fully defined terms."

"Offers a wide and expansive new treatment of the role water played in the lives of people across the Roman world."