Ancient Greece comes alive in this recreation of the daily lives of ordinary people―men and women, children and the elderly, slaves and foreigners, rich and poor. Taking account of the most up-to-date discoveries, the author provides a wealth of information on such varied facets of Greek life as food and drink, dress, housing, literacy, juvenile delinquency, the plight of the elderly, the treatment of slaves, and much more.

Readers can gain an in-depth understanding of what it was like to live in one of the greatest eras of human history. Garland provides answers to such questions What were the Ancient Greeks' attitudes toward foreigners? What was their life expectancy? How were women treated? Passages from ancient authors enhance the text of this indispensable reference work.