From the early Minoan civilization in Crete to Alexander the Great and from life as a Spartan to a trip to the theatre, this book covers the length and breadth of this extraordinary civilization that built the Parthenon, introduced the world to democracy and created the Olympic Games.

Detailed illustrations, factual text and stories transport readers into the lives of both wealthy and ordinary people so that children can gain real insight into what it was like to live like an ancient Greek.

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A quick overview of life in ancient Athens, with rare glances further afield. Saunders acknowledges that Athens was part of a larger world but largely confines herself to the city in surveying “Greek” art and thought, political institutions, home life, and social customs. The picture she draws isn’t entirely idyllic, as she points to sharp class divisions and repeatedly contrasts the very different lives boys and men could expect with those of girls, women, and enslaved people in general.

While sending Pentathlos, a fictive 9-year-old who introduces himself as an Athenian from 440 BCE, to school and then to Olympia for exciting glimpses of the original Olympic Games, she also adds bits of color by, for instance, noting that athletes competed naked—glimpsed from afar in Robins’ austere, static illustrations—or explaining that ancient Greeks did not have toilet paper (they “used pieces of pottery”). Inserted sans safety precautions, recipes for fried or baked goods and instructions for a homemade open flame oil lamp and a drinking cup with “paint” in its list of ingredients may put hands-on sorts at risk. Still, readers should come away with glimmers of this civilization’s enduring legacy. Figures in the illustrations are mostly light- or tan-skinned.

Brief but lucidly presented snapshots of ancient Greece. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-11)

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What do the Olympic Games, democracy, and theatre all have in common? They all began in Ancient Greece. Readers will travel back in time to learn about this fascinating civilization and discover what life was like there... Saunders presents an informative, concise, and visually appealing text for young minds... A great resource and first buy for libraries looking to add to their history collection.

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From the Minoan civilisation on Crete to the achievements of Alexander the Great, this illustrated history book explores the extraordinary world of ancient Greece. Children can discover what life was like in Sparta, visit the theatre, investigate the origins of democracy and learn about the Olympics Games. Claire Saunders combines historical information with stories about everyday life, while Wesley Robins’ detailed illustrations help bring the period into focus. For 7+ year olds interested in the ancient world, this engaging introduction offers a lively perspective on Greek society, culture, inventions and achievements.

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The history of ancient Greece is not only the history of the country we now know of as Greece, it is the history of a civilisation which spanned millennia. The result is that we have plenty to explore. Daily life was similar and different across the city states. Sparta for example, was the nation of warriors. In Olympia they created the games and were known for their athletes. Explore daily life in ancient Greece in a new light. Facts, history, stories, myths and more provide a fascinating insight into the worlds of the ancient Greeks, special projects encourage readers to try it out for themselves.

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It’s great to see another title added to the outstanding history series ‘Live Like A’. This one on Ancient Greece gives the reader a timeline from 800 BCE to the end of the Hellenistic Period, which includes the first Olympic Games, the Iliad being created, and the introduction of democracy. Children can see the great thinkers that were alive then and the world they lived in, all in bitesize, easy-to-read sections. With clear illustrations of Greek homes, fashion and food, as well as activities to try, this is a must for school topics and for any budding historians!

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A wealth of fascinating facts are to be found between the covers of this book wherein the author provides an overview of life in ancient Athens, occasionally expanding her scope and moving further afield. …Great fun especially if ancient Greek life is a topic for a KS2 class. …A book to add to primary school libraries as well as home bookshelves of children in KS2.

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...this book covers the length and breadth of this extraordinary civilization that built the Parthenon, introduced the world to democracy and created the Olympic Games. Detailed illustrations, factual text and stories transport readers into the lives of both wealthy and ordinary people so that children can gain real insight into what it was like to live like an ancient Greek.

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We love this series so we were excited to read the latest one. This beautifully illustrated book helps readers to journey back in time to find out what it was really like to live in Ancient Greece. The book has sections on how people lived, how slaves were treated, the games children played, what they learnt at school, what sort of jobs they did. We always love the craft activities that are included in this series. In this book you can find out how to make a drinking cup, a Greek oil lamp, make lentil soup Greek bread and Barley water. There is a fictional Athenian boy called Pentathlos who features throughout the book too describing his life; his schooling, tales of Greek heroes and his visit to the Olympic Games. This is such an interesting book and makes a great topic resource book for school. Recommended for readers 7+.

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Time travel back to the age of philosophical debates, epic heroes, and Olympic glory! Uncover what life was truly like in ancient Greece, from what people wore and ate to the fascinating secrets of their mythology and government. This engaging guide brings history to life in a fun, interactive way.

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Discover what it was like in Ancient Greece! Explore how people lived, jobs they had, food and drink as well as Greek stories and recipes to try at home! Really looking forward to using this when I teach Ancient Greece later this academic year. There’s so much to learn and I love how you can try recipes and make an oil lamp and drinking cup at home! I love the questions at the back to generate great conversation about whether you could live like an Ancient Greek. The information is clear and easy to understand and the illustrations especially the Greek home and food plate are really engaging. An all-round brilliant non-fiction read!

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Discover what life was like in Ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games. We have loved this series so far, and this book is a fantastic addition. My girls particularly loved learning about the armour and weapons they used (figures) and the food that the Ancient Greeks ate. I thought it was so fun that recipes and crafts are included in the book also, it's a great way to bring history to life and to use these activities as learning tools.