Title
The Extraordinary Voyage of Pytheas the Greek: The Man Who Discovered Britain,New
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Around 330 B.C., a remarkable man named Pytheas set out from the Greek colony of Massalia (now Marseille) to explore the fabled, terrifying lands of northern Europea mysterious, largely conjectural zone that, according to Greek science, was too cold to sustain human life and yet was somehow, they knew, the source of precious commodities such as tin, amber, and gold.Whether Pytheas headed an expedition or traveled alone, he was the first literate man to visit the British Isles and the coasts of France and Denmark, and there is convincing evidence that he traveled on to Iceland and the edge of the icepackan astonishing voyage at the time. Pytheas's own account of the journey, titled On the Ocean and published in about 320 B.C., has not survived, though it echoes in the works of ancient historians like Herodotus and Strabo. Their allusions to his voyage represent the beginnings of European history and underscore how much of a pioneer Pytheas was, for Britain remained without further explorers until Julius Caesar and his legions landed there almost 300 years later.Archaeologist Barry Cunliffe knows perhaps more than anyone about the world through which Pytheas traveled, and he has sifted the archaeological and written records to recreate this staggering journey. Beginning with an invaluable pocket history of early Mediterranean civilization, Cunliffe illuminates what Pytheas would have seen and experiencedthe route he likely took to reach first Brittany and then England; the tinmining and, even then, evidence of ancient cultures he would have witnessed onshore; the challenge of sailing in a skin boat; the magic of amber and the trade routes by which it reached the Mediterranean. In telling this story, Cunliffe has chronicled an essential chapter in the history of civilization.
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- Q: What is the main subject of 'The Extraordinary Voyage of Pytheas the Greek'? A: The book focuses on the historical figure Pytheas, a Greek explorer who traveled from Massalia to northern Europe around 330 B.C., and his pioneering journey to the British Isles.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Barry Cunliffe, an archaeologist known for his expertise in early Mediterranean civilization and ancient history.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is bound in hardcover, offering durability and a premium feel.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 192 pages.
- Q: Is this book a new or used edition? A: This listing is for a new edition of the book.
- Q: When was 'The Extraordinary Voyage of Pytheas the Greek' published? A: The book was published on April 1, 2002.
- Q: What edition of the book is available? A: This is a revised edition of the original work.
- Q: What additional historical context does the book provide? A: The book includes an overview of early Mediterranean civilization and insights into the cultures Pytheas encountered during his journey.
- Q: What are the notable themes explored in the book? A: Notable themes include exploration, trade routes, ancient cultures, and the challenges of early sea navigation.
- Q: Can this book be beneficial for students of history? A: Yes, the book provides valuable insights into early European history and is a useful resource for students interested in ancient civilizations and exploration.