Experience a remarkable year among the real people of ancient Greece, as they prepare for the most important event in their calendar.

It is248 BC,the year of the 133rd Olympic Games. At this time the Hellenistic world is at its peak, with Greek settlements spread across the Middle East, Egypt and Spain. As ever, the world is politically troubled, with Rome locked in a war with Carthage and a major conflict brewing between Egypt and Syria. However, ordinary people are still preoccupied with the crops, household affairs and in some cases, with winning an Olympic crown.

Starting at the autumn equinox, in thisimagined account of a year in the life of eight fascinating characters, Philip Matyszak reveals what life was really like at this time. Rather than focusing on the kings and generals from the histories of Thucydides and Polybius, we are invited into the homes ofordinary Greek citizens. Fromthe diplomat who is using the Games as a cover to engage in political skulduggery tothe sprinter who dreams of glory,A Year in the Life of Ancient Greece takes us through adramatic twelve months to reveal the opportunities and the perils ofeveryday life during this period.