The way we are governed. It all began on the mountains and islands of Europe's southeastern edge, more than 3,000 years ago. The Greeks is the story of a culture that has contributed more than any other to the way we live now in the West.

The way we are governed. It all began on the mountains and islands of Europe's southeastern edge, more than 3,000 years ago. The Greeks is the story of a culture that has contributed more than any other to the way we live now in the West.

'Monumental . . . A wonderful book.' Peter Frankopan

'Magisterial . . . remarkable.' Guardian

'Erudite and highly readable . . . An authoritative guide to the countless ways in which Greek words and ideas have shaped the modern world.' Financial Times

The Greeks is a story which takes us from the archaeological treasures of the Bronze Age Aegean and myths of gods and heroes, to the politics of the European Union today. It is a story of inventions, such as the alphabet, philosophy and science, but also of reinvention: of cultures which merged and multiplied, and adapted to catastrophic change. It is the epic, revelatory history of the Greek-speaking people and their global impact told as never before.