The History of Greece

The German archaeologist Ernst Curtius (1814-1896) published his seminal work The History of Greece in 3 volumes between 1857 and 1867. It quickly became a bestseller and was republished in numerous German editions. The work was translated into English by the eminent British historian Adolphus William Ward (1837-1924) who divided it into five volumes, published between 1868 and 1873. Volume 5 covers the twilight of the Greek city-states; the rise of Macedon and Philip’s military conquests; and the final struggle for the independence of the Greek states. It contains a general index for all five volumes. Curtius’ History was a pioneering work of classical scholarship. For many generations it provided an indispensable guide through the complex history of the Greek world, and it continues to inspire researchers today.