Ancient Cities by Jean-Claude Golvin

• Author's Background:

  • French architect and archaeologist specializing in ancient cities
  • Known for his work on Pompeii and other Roman cities

• Main Theme:

  • Exploration of the history, architecture, and social life of ancient cities

• Key Points:

  • Pompeii as a Case Study: Golvin uses Pompeii as a primary example to illustrate the daily life, urban planning, and social structure of ancient cities.
  • Urban Planning and Architecture: Discusses the principles of urban design, building techniques, and the evolution of architectural styles in ancient cities.
  • Social Life and Culture: Explores the social hierarchy, religious practices, and cultural activities that shaped life in ancient cities.
  • Archaeological Methods: Provides insights into the archaeological techniques used to uncover and study ancient cities.

• Reputation:

  • Positive:
    • Highly regarded for its comprehensive and well-researched content
    • Praised for its clear and engaging writing style
    • Considered a valuable resource for students and scholars of ancient history and archaeology
  • Negative:
    • Some critics argue that it focuses too heavily on Pompeii and neglects other ancient cities
    • Others find the level of detail overwhelming

• Who Should Read It:

  • Students and scholars of ancient history and archaeology
  • Architects and urban planners interested in the history of urban design
  • General readers with an interest in ancient civilizations and their daily life