The Golden Age of ancient Greek city-state civilization lasted from 490 to 336 B.C., the period between the first wars against Persia and Carthage and the ascension of Alexander the Great. Never has there been such a multiplication of talents and genius within so limited a period. An astonishing period caught at the height of its powers by an eminent historian. "Michael Grant never fails to be lively and well informed and he has done more, single-handedly, to blow the dust of the classical world than any comparable populariser."--Sunday Times. "Grant is a unique figure among the classical scholars of our time."--Spectator.