Edited by Steve Bamlett, Sunday, 18 Sep 2016, 14:42
I have just read this great book by Michael Scott.
Michael Scott has in the past changed my life (a bit at least). I saw his TV series on Greek Drama and that hooked me - and as a result I completed a PG course in Greek Drama to test the ideas - they remained relevant and telling. His last book on Delphi was equally fascinating , especially if seen as part of the whole history of the means cultures, nations and global commonalities use to predict political futures for themselves.
This new one breaks new boundaries because it self-consciously sets out to show that the only reason we see ancient cultures as irrelevant to a global political economy is that we have used paradigms that imported nationalism or cultural monoliths into the picture that weren't necessarily the best approach to those cultures - even when there were more useful - as in Ancient China - they stop us seeing the significance of what happens to Chinese culture in the late ancient era post Confucius.
The most stunning section is the one on the co-molding of religion and the state in the first to fourth century AD. Illuminating though on so many things and makes you want to read more history of this sort. The assessment of the Emperors Constantine and 'apostate' Julian enthralled me.
There are insights throughout - no doubt many that will be questioned and critiqued from other perspectives - but that makes it all the more interesting.
Ancient Worlds Michael Scott Some Thoughts
I have just read this great book by Michael Scott.
Michael Scott has in the past changed my life (a bit at least). I saw his TV series on Greek Drama and that hooked me - and as a result I completed a PG course in Greek Drama to test the ideas - they remained relevant and telling. His last book on Delphi was equally fascinating , especially if seen as part of the whole history of the means cultures, nations and global commonalities use to predict political futures for themselves.
This new one breaks new boundaries because it self-consciously sets out to show that the only reason we see ancient cultures as irrelevant to a global political economy is that we have used paradigms that imported nationalism or cultural monoliths into the picture that weren't necessarily the best approach to those cultures - even when there were more useful - as in Ancient China - they stop us seeing the significance of what happens to Chinese culture in the late ancient era post Confucius.
The most stunning section is the one on the co-molding of religion and the state in the first to fourth century AD. Illuminating though on so many things and makes you want to read more history of this sort. The assessment of the Emperors Constantine and 'apostate' Julian enthralled me.
There are insights throughout - no doubt many that will be questioned and critiqued from other perspectives - but that makes it all the more interesting.
All the best
Steve