Ruins of the ancient Persian city of Pasargadae
Research, stories and interpretation

The Ancient History Library

Read accessible, richly presented features on civilisations, rulers, warfare, religion, daily life and archaeology.

Warfare · 88 min read

Ancient Greek Mathematics

Ancient Greek Mathematics Introduction Ancient Greek mathematics was one of the most influential intellectual traditions of the ancient world. Greek mathematicians developed new me…

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Warfare · 95 min read

Ancient Greek Religion

Ancient Greek Religion Introduction Ancient Greek religion was a complex system of beliefs, rituals, festivals, sacred places and traditions that shaped nearly every part of life i…

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Warfare · 74 min read

The Ancient Agora of Athens

The Ancient Agora of Athens Introduction The Ancient Agora of Athens was the political, commercial, social, legal and religious centre of the ancient city. Located to the north-wes…

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Warfare · 76 min read

The Spartan Agoge

The Spartan Agoge Introduction The Spartan agoge was the state-supervised system of education and training used to prepare male Spartan citizens for military service, discipline an…

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Warfare · 64 min read

The Spartan Homoioi

The Spartan Homoioi Introduction The Homoioi were the full male citizens of ancient Sparta. Their name is commonly translated as the Equals, the Peers or the Similar Ones. They for…

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Warfare · 66 min read

The Spartan Perioikoi

The Spartan Perioikoi Introduction The Perioikoi were a major social group within the ancient Spartan state. Their name means those who dwell around or those living nearby. They li…

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Warfare · 66 min read

The Spartan Helots

The Spartan Helots Introduction The helots were an unfree population who lived under the control of ancient Sparta. They formed the agricultural foundation of the Spartan state and…

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