Clark admits he has long held a special place in his heart for Greece, and having lived and worked there, uses his experiences to add additional depth to the modern sections of this epic book, looking at the history of Athens from 600 BCE to as close to the current day as you’re likely to find in a printed book. He guides us through the more well known stories of the ancient world, through years of less studied history of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. He tracks the rise and fall in fortunes of this city which holds so much fascination, but whose ancient glories outshine more recent achievements. What becomes clear is that Athens is a city which fights for itself, that continues to reinvent and endure. A fascinating history and a vibrant modern city.
Coming to the book with only a passing knowledge of even the more famous moments in its history it was a wonderfully accessible way of deepening my knowledge, of appreciating the feats of creation, and understanding the context in which these pivotal moments in history happened. I didn’t get through the whole book before my visit, but it added depth and greater appreciation for what I saw, and it was enriching to learn more about the years in between the historic sites and the lived-in, sprawling city on my return.
What becomes clear is that many cultures have tried to monopolise on its history and status throughout history, taking something for themselves, and reinterpreting the past for their own ends. This of course includes the items removed by Elgin in the nineteenth century, whose controversy continues, the beautiful Acropolis Museum ready and waiting for their return.
Clark does not shy away from the difficult politics of more recent decades, rife with corruption and scandal, and the impacts of the infamous economic crash of 2008. His anecdotes of conversations with locals and the impact these events had on their life bring the city’s story to life and add a human dimension to a challenging story. We close with a meditation on how the city hopes to move forward, how to balance its incredible history with the modern world. A fascinating, ambitious read. A solid length, it still covers an extraordinary amount of history in comparatively few pages, remaining accessible and enjoyable throughout.
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